Hen picks Lions

SWITZERLAND caused the shock of the tournament when they knocked the reigning World champions out of the Euros last summer.

But former Swiss great Stephane Henchoz believes it is England, rather than his home country, who have the best chance of succeeding the French as World Cup winners in Qatar later this year.

Switzerland’s penalty shootout win over Didier Deschamps’ side counts as one of the country’s greatest triumphs.

But, as the Swiss prepare for Wembley to face England, Henchoz is backing Gareth Southgate’s side to challenge for a first World Cup, since 1966, in the Middle East this winter.

“They were so close to winning the Euros last summer, and I think they have the players to win a World Cup, I really do,” said the ex-liverpool defender (below).

“They have the squad, they have the players to compete and be World champions in Qatar.

“They showed that they can compete with anyone at the European Championship, and there’s no reason why they cannot be the

European champions in a couple of years as well.”

Henchoz admitted:

“This group is that good.

“The match at Wembley will be a big test for both sides.

“That win against France was obviously a huge one for Switzerland – no one saw it coming. They also had their chances against Spain in the quarter-final as well. But I think expecting Switzerland to repeat those kinds of results is a big ask.

“We have some good players, but if you look at England’s squad, then there is quality all the way through it.”

During Henchoz’s time in England, he would routinely watch the national team head to major championships with huge expectations. And, more often than not, fall flat on their faces. He said: “I don’t think those expectation levels were ever realistic. Now is a completely different time.”