Switzerland vs. England: Key Battles for Euro 2012 Qualifier
On Feb. 6, 2008, England played their first game under the reign of Fabio Capello against Switzerland.
Excitement was in the air as the disciplinarian Italian was seen as the answer to a nation's prayers.
His forceful nature would be a breath of fresh air and the exact right motivation for a group of players who were spoiled and allowed into a comfort zone.
Over two years on, and times have changed. Capello has taken a post-World Cup beating and needs a win in Basel to put a band aid on the current mood of the nation regarding its football team.
It will not come easy, Switzerland are difficult to beat and were the only nation to beat World Cup winners Spain at this summer's tournament.
A road qualifier against a disciplined Swiss side will be a true test for England, and it will take a good performance to come with any points.
Here, we look at some of the key match ups that will impact the result of the game.
Phil Jagielka vs. Alexander Frei
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England are depleted in the central defensive ranks. Long time stalwarts John Terry and Rio Ferdinand are out injured, and Michael Dawson suffered a horrid knee injury against Bulgaria.
With Matt Upson in and out of form, Everton defender Jagielka could become the centerpiece of the English back line.
Jagielka lacks experience on the international stage, and a good performance by Joe Hart was vital to Bulgaria not scoring in the opening Euro 2012 qualifier for England.
Alexander Frei is Switzerland's all-time leading goal scorer with 40 goals in 77 caps, and has the fire and experience to make Jagielka's life very difficult.
A fine ball player with a feisty side, Frei was once accused of spitting on Steven Gerrard during a game. His touch, movement, and vision could be extremely difficult for Jagielka to contain.
Edge: Switzerland. A makeshift England back line will likely struggle to keep Frei and his partner off the scoresheet.
Gareth Barry vs. Gelson Fernandes
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Not many Manchester City fans batted an eyelid when Gelson Fernandes left the club, and few would swap him for Gareth Barry.
However, Fernandes plays a crucial role in a Swiss midfield unit that is difficult to play against.
Fernandes cleverly operates in a three-man central midfield unit to keep possession, and his bustling runs forward can be dangerous, as displayed by his winning goal against Spain.
Gareth Barry must effectively nullify the runs of Fernandes for an already depleted backline not to be exposed.
In addition, if England play their typical 4-4-2, Barry must communicate with either a deep forward or his wide midfielders to avoid a 2 vs. 3 mismatch in the engine room for England.
Edge: Switzerland. Not so much a man-for-man advantage, but the Swiss will likely have an extra man in central midfield, something Fernandes will be good enough to exploit.
Steven Gerrard vs. Gokhan Inler
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It is fair to say that during the last six months, Steven Gerrard has been England's most potent attacking force.
With Wayne Rooney out of form for a long spell, the surging forward runs of Gerrard were crucial to the England attack.
Against the USA in the World Cup, the run of Gerrard highlights the danger he provides by joining the forwards from deep; against Hungary, Gerrard willed England to a victory in the face of adversity and pressure.
In Switzerland, Gerrard will face the shield provided by tough tackling midfielder Gokhan Inler.
Inler plays his club football for Udinese and has a reputation for defensive excellence in midfield. He will be tested to the limit by Gerrard here.
Edge: England. Gerrard is a dynamic force who is in good form of late.
Jermain Defoe vs. Stephane Grichting
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Switzerland has a physically strong and organized back line that Grichting plays a major role in.
Auxerre defender Grichting is strong in the air but could potentially struggle against pace; he would match up much better against a forward like Peter Crouch than the lightning rod that is Defoe.
Jermain Defoe is what every team wants, a goal scorer high on confidence. Defoe performed well at the World Cup, and netted a hat trick with a clinical performance against Bulgaria.
He will spend time making incisive runs off the last man in Basel, and is likely to put away any chances given to him.
Edge: England. Defoe is a lethal finisher and high in confidence.
Fabio Capello vs. Ottmar Hitzfeld
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As much abuse as Fabio Capello has taken since the World Cup disaster, few ever question his resume.
With four Serie A titles, two La Liga titles, and one Champions League title, even Capello's harshest critics acknowledge his excellence at club level.
In Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland have their own mastermind. Hitzfeld has won seven Bundesliga titles and two Champions League wins.
It will be fascinating to see these two go head-to-head throughout the game.
Hitzfeld is renowned for a disciplined and hard-to-beat 4-5-1 formation, and Capello has stuck with 4-4-2 for this campaign. England must find a way to even the numbers in midfield and win the possession battle.
It will not be surprising to see a well plated draw play out on Tuesday.
Edge: Switzerland. The extra man in midfield will give England an extremely difficult task to produce a road win.
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