UEFA Euro 2024: Is Scotland vs Switzerland on TV? kick-off, team news, predictions & where to watch
19/06/2024 – UEFA European Championship – (Group Stage – Group A)
Venue: Cologne Stadium
Scotland suffered a 5-1 defeat to hosts Germany in the opening game of the Euros 2024. The team’s captain said the Scots will look to shake the ‘fear’ that he believes played a role in the opening game disaster.
Heading into the crucial match in Cologne, the Scots will face Switzerland and are acutely aware that another defeat would leave them needing a miracle to progress from Group A.
The upcoming clash against Switzerland is pivotal for Scotland’s hopes of advancing in the tournament.
As for Switzerland – who won their opening match against Hungary – they will still be hunting all three points, which will guarantee they make it through to the next round but also put them in with a chance of securing top spot. They currently sit in second place, behind Germany, on goal difference.
Where to watch?
The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 19 June in Cologne Stadium.
The fixture will be shown live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Match preview
Scottish fan’s excitement quickly turned to dismay as Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener ended in a crushing 5-1 defeat to Germany. Goals from Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug, and Emre Can dismantled Steve Clarke’s side in Munich. The Scots played the entire second half with 10 men after Ryan Porteous’s red card for a foul on Ilkay Gundogan, leading to Havertz’s penalty. An Antonio Rudiger own goal offered brief hope, but Emre Can’s long-range strike sealed Scotland’s fate, marking the biggest opening win in men’s Euros history.
Currently, at the bottom of Group A, Scotland faces a do-or-die situation against Switzerland. A loss would eliminate their top-two chances, while a draw would leave their fate hanging by a thread. Despite this, they have 180 minutes to turn their fortunes around. Securing third place might still offer a route to the last 16, but recent form—one win in their last 10 matches—casts doubt on this prospect. Scotland hasn’t won a Euros finals match since 2000.
Meanwhile, Switzerland enters the match with confidence after a 3-1 victory over Hungary. First-time scorers Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer gave the Swiss a two-goal lead, though Barnabas Varga narrowed the gap before Breel Embolo’s late lob secured the win. Embolo’s return was particularly sweet, marking his first appearance since the 2022 World Cup following injuries.
Second-placed Switzerland can secure a top-two spot with a win on Wednesday before facing Germany in their final group match. The Swiss have lost just once in their last 15 matches and won three of their last four. They last played Scotland in a 2006 friendly, winning 3-1, but they will remember their 1996 Euros clash, where Scotland triumphed 1-0 with a goal from Ally McCoist—Scotland’s last win in the tournament.
As Scotland aims to revive their campaign, Switzerland looks to build on their strong form and secure a knockout stage berth.
Team News
Scotland will be without the suspended Ryan Porteous for their crucial match against Switzerland and their final group fixture against Hungary, following his red card against Germany. With UEFA extending his ban, Porteous’s tournament may effectively be over. Grant Hanley is expected to replace him, though Scott McKenna, who was involved in Antonio Rudiger’s own goal, is also an option.
Manager Steve Clarke is likely to make further changes to the lineup. Billy Gilmour, surprisingly benched against Germany, is a strong candidate to start. Che Adams, who struggled in the opener, may be replaced by Lawrence Shankland.
For Switzerland, midfielder Denis Zakaria is back in full training after a thigh injury but is unlikely to start. Steven Zuber has also rejoined the squad after a brief injury. Silvan Widmer and Remo Freuler will need to avoid yellow cards to be available for the final group match against Germany. Despite these considerations, coach Murat Yakin is expected to stick with the winning lineup, keeping Breel Embolo in reserve as he regains fitness and continuing with Kwadwo Duah, who impressed against Hungary.
As Scotland seeks to revive their Euro 2024 campaign, Switzerland aims to secure a knockout stage berth with another strong performance.
Predicted lineups
Scotland possible starting lineup:
Gunn; Hendry, Hanley, Tierney; Ralston, Gilmour, McTominay, Robertson; McGinn, Christie; Shankland
Switzerland possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Vargas, Ndoye; Duah
Predictions
Scotland’s attackers barely saw the ball against Germany, partly thanks to Die Mannschaft’s brilliant display and partly due to their perpetually sloppy passing, and a sturdy Swiss side will not give too much away either. While Yakin’s men did go to sleep briefly against Hungary, their three points were merited, and we can only envisage Switzerland sealing their top-two placement while inflicting familiar Euros misery on the Scots. In doing so, a new page of Swiss history would be written for the Rossocrociati, who have never won both of their opening matches at a major tournament before, despite 12 previous World Cup campaigns and six attempts at Euros glory. Scotland 0-2 Switzerland – (Sportsmole)
As good as Germany were, Scotland were so bad on Friday night and their approach without the ball drew particular criticism. Their confidence would’ve taken a hit, for sure, but Clarke’s side aren’t down and out just yet. We should expect to see a much more aggressive performance from the Scots on Wednesday, although a stable and stoic Switzerland are well-built to deal with any upsurge.Yakin’s steady outfit has newfound speed in attack, and their ability to run in behind could trouble this Scotland backline. Overall, this should a good game with Scotland desperate for the points, but such desperation could work in Switzerland’s favour. Scotland 1-2 Switzerland – (90MIN)
Beating Hungary on the opening day was a big boost for Switzerland and they will know even a draw puts them in a great position to advance to the last 16. Scotland will have to be better than they were against Germany and a draw isn’t a bad result for Steve Clarke’s side, either, as it keeps their chances alive heading into the final day. Scotland 1-1 Switzerland. – (Independent)