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UEFA EURO reporter's view: Switzerland

If they solve their striking problems, Switzerland could ruffle a few feathers at UEFA EURO 2016; UEFA.com's team reporter Matthew Howarth breaks down Vladimir Petković's squad.

Breel Embolo gives Switzerland the thumbs-up
Breel Embolo gives Switzerland the thumbs-up ©Getty Images

Squad analysis
Vladimir Petković has plenty of exciting talent at his disposal with the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka and Ricardo Rodriguez, but a lack of firepower could prove Switzerland's undoing in France. Petković's charges failed to score in friendly defeats by the Republic of Ireland (0-1) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (0-2) in March, while midfielder Blerim Džemaili registered their only goal in Saturday's 2-1 reverse against Belgium.

One to watch
Swiss hearts skipped a beat when Breel Embolo went down clutching his right knee while playing for Basel in mid-May. A scan revealed the 19-year-old had damaged a ligament, but the injury will not prevent the forward from boarding the plane to France. Quick, strong and technically gifted, the Cameroon-born youngster is worth keeping a very close eye on if he can prove his fitness.

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How they'll play
Switzerland have lined up in a 4-3-3 formation in five of their last six matches, with either Haris Seferovic or Eren Derdiyok flanked by two wide men in attack. The last time Petković started a game with two out-and-out strikers was against Austria in November last year – Switzerland's most recent victory. The 52-year-old's dilemma now is whether to stick or twist against Albania in their Group A opener.

What you won't know
For the first time in European Championship history, two brothers are likely to line up on opposite sides in Lens on 11 June. Taulant Xhaka represented Switzerland from Under-16 to U21 level, but the defender's decision in 2013 to commit his international future to Albania means he will come face to face with younger sibling Granit at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

How they'll do
Switzerland have finished bottom of their group in each of their last three appearances at the tournament, but 'Die Nati' are expected to fare much better on this occasion. With hosts France favourites to win Group A, games against debutants Albania and Anghel Iordănescu's Romania are key to Swiss hopes.

Most memorable EURO moment
England's agonising quarter-final loss Portugal in 2004 stands out for all the wrong reasons, but in terms of excitement, it does not get much better than the Three Lions' 1-1 draw with Switzerland in the opening game of EURO '96. I was only six at the time but vividly recall the noise, colour and sense of anticipation at the old Wembley that day. What a tournament it was!

What I'm most looking forward to this summer
One of the pages in my Panini World Cup 1998 sticker album is dedicated to the ten stadia that hosted the last major tournament in France. To be able to visit two of those venues – the Parc des Princes and the Stade Bollaert-Delelis – is a dream come true. I'm also expecting a spine-tingling atmosphere at the 50,000-capacity Stade Pierre Mauroy for Switzerland's final group game, against the hosts.

Follow Matt throughout the finals on @UEFAcomMattH

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