Germany look to lock up top spot in Euro 2024 Group A against Switzerland

FRANKFURT – Germany are already through to the last 16 of Euro 2024, but that does not mean that they will take their foot off the gas as they seek to make it three wins from three on June 23.

The hosts, enjoying their best start to a tournament in more than a decade, face Switzerland in Frankfurt in their bid to seal top spot in Group A and get a potentially easier opponent in the next stage.

Their two opening victories – 5-1 against Scotland and 2-0 over Hungary – mark an even better start than they had at the 2014 World Cup when they last won a major international title.

Germany need just a draw against the Swiss, who have yet to book their spot in the next round, to avoid finishing second in the group and having to play the second-placed team from Group B.

That could lead to a tricky round-of-16 match against a team from a group featuring Italy, Spain, Croatia and Albania.

Germany are currently top of Group A on six points. Switzerland are in second place on four, while Scotland have one and Hungary none after two losses.

Topping the group would give Julian Nagelsmann’s side a seemingly easier path against the second team in Group C. England top that group on four points, with Denmark and Slovenia both on two and Serbia on one point.

“Top spot is important. We want to win all our matches,” the coach said.

The 36-year-old, who took over in September 2023, has led a revival of the three-time European champions’ title hopes, and after sticking with the same line-up in his first two matches he is unlikely to make major changes.

“I do think it is important to have as many players from the starting 11 on the pitch so that we stay in the rhythm,” Nagelsmann added. “Do not expect to have seven changes to the team. I can rule that out now.”

His players have delivered convincing performances in their demolition of Scotland and their win over Hungary, their first in a competitive match against them in 70 years.

Nagelsmann is likely to retain his attacking midfield trio of captain Ilkay Gundogan flanked by Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz that has been key to their winning start.

In the match against the Hungarians, Germany needed the creativity and finish of the trio – dubbed the “three wizards” by their coach – to combine for two goals that put them into the knockout stage.

“It is important to have players like those three who have the abilities to decide matches in the attacking area,” Nagelsmann said. “The three wizards have a lot of liberties.”

There could be changes further back with Pascal Gross possibly slipping in for Robert Andrich in front of the defence.

But Nagelsmann is in no mood to underestimate the Swiss, who drew 1-1 against the Scots earlier in the week following their opening 3-1 win over Hungary.

Switzerland will top the group with a win but will also advance with a draw if Scotland fail to beat Hungary in the other group match. Defeat could potentially see them exit the tournament.

Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri, who scored a stunning equaliser against the Scots, believes his team are motivated to go all out despite Germany being the favourites.

“We know we are now up against a team that is of a different calibre with their super attack and the euphoria (as hosts),” the former Liverpool winger said.

“But we are going into the game with confidence and look forward to it. Obviously we want to bother the Germans. That’s clear.”

Swiss defender Fabian Schar suffered a broken nose in the draw with Scotland, but a team official confirmed on June 21 that the centre back would be fit to play in the rest of the tournament.

Scotland fullback Kieran Tierney, however, is returning home after suffering a hamstring injury. REUTERS, AFP