England face a tricky start to their 2016 European Championship qualifying campaign on Monday when they face Switzerland in Basel.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson has been the subject of intense criticism in recent days following the team's tepid performance during their friendly win over Norway.

Despite coming under scrutiny for his side's toothless display in attack, the victory against the Norwegians saw England end a winless run of five matches.

Meanwhile, Switzerland will be confident of picking up a positive result against the visitors after reaching the last 16 of this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Under the guidance of new manager Vladimir Petkovic, the determined Swiss will be looking to assert themselves in a group that also contains Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino.

Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out for England with a hamstring injury, so Danny Welbeck is likely to come into the team to partner Wayne Rooney up front. The away side have no further injury concerns.

Switzerland could name a similar starting XI to the one that was narrowly beaten by Argentina in the second round of the World Cup, with Xherdan Shaqiri, Josip Drmic and Gokhan Inler all involved.

Recent form

Switzerland: WWWLWL

England: DDLLDW

Possible starting lineups

Switzerland: Sommer; Djourou, Lichtsteiner, Schar, Rodriguez; Shaqiri, Behrami, Inler, Mehmedi; Xhaka, Drmic

England: Hart; Jones, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Wilshere, Sterling; Rooney, Welbeck

Sports Mole says: 1-1

Written by
Jack Prescott

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