England vs Switzerland: Dangerman Dan Ndoye out to make Euro 2024 statement | OneFootball

Bologna forward has been a breath of fresh air

“A tornado, devil, a blade.” So read a description of Dan Ndoye in Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport last season after one of his many match-winning displays for Bologna.

Judging by Ndoye’s dynamic performances for Switzerland at Euro 2024, the picture painted was a fair one. In a team defined by the vast tournament experience of its core players — Granit Xhaka, Fabian Schar and Yann Sommer — the forward has been a breath of fresh air.

After scoring his first international goal against Germany in a 1-1 draw in the group stage, he celebrated by posing like a lion, an ode to the Senegalese heritage of his father.

With Marc Guehi suspended and England considering a switch to a back-three, Ndoye could cash in. The 23-year-old will fancy his chances at right wing if Bukayo Saka is moved into the unfamiliar position of left wing-back. And he may try to isolate Ezri Konsa (if, as expected, he comes in for Guehi) on the left of the back-three.

Dan Ndoye has impressed for the Swiss at Euro 2024

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“Ndoye brings an element no other Swiss player can: speed and acceleration,” says Lucas Werder, from Swiss newspaper Blick. “He’s one of the players who can hurt England. There are not a lot of defenders who can match this, maybe Kyle Walker, but he will play on the other side.”

He could return to a pacy front-line with Ruben Vargas and Breel Embolo, wanting nothing more than to run at the England defence. They cannot afford to let him.