Murat Yakin has unveiled his Swiss contingent for Euro 2024, countin Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji among the 26 selected. Initially, Yakin identified 33 prospects last month, aiming to outshine their previous performance when they reached the quarterfinals, only to fall to Spain after knocking out top-dog France in a tense penalty shootout.
Sadly, Genk’s striking sensation Andi Zaqiri, who notched nine goals in 37 matches this past season, along with Kevin Mbabu of 24 caps fame and a veteran from the victory over France, didn’t make the cut for the final selection. Commanding the squad for the third international showdown, former Arsenal lead Xhaka now celebrates a Bundesliga championship with Bayer Leverkusen.
Akanji, Manchester City’s stalwart, has been formidable this season, contributing to 17 shutouts in 48 matches across all competitions, solidifying his reputation among the Premier League’s elite defenders. Switzerland sets the stage for Euro 2024 with a warm-up game against Austria on home soil this Saturday before heading to Germany.
The Swiss are slated to commence their Group A challenge facing Hungary in Koln on June 15, with Scotland and the hosts lined up next.
The final roster for Switzerland includes: Goalkeepers Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Yvon Mvogo (Lorient), and Yann Sommer (Inter Milan); defenders Manuel Akanji (Manchester City), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Rodriguez (Torino), Fabian Schar (Newcastle United), Leonidas Stergiou (Stuttgart), Silvan Widmer (Mainz), and Cedric Zesiger (Wolfsburg); midfielders Michel Aebischer (Bologna), Kwadwo Duah (Ludogorets), Remo Freuler (Nottingham Forest), Ardon Jashari (FC Luzern), and more; forwards include Denis Zakaria (Monaco), Steven Zuber (AEK Athens), and the effervescent Granit Xhaka (Arsenal).
