Euro 1996 relived through a modern lens. StatsBomb have collected Euro 1996 data and will be alongside England as this tournament progresses once again via ITV Sport.
England got their Euro 1996 campaign started with an underwhelming 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Alan Shearer's thumping finish saw the hosts take a lead into half time, but they failed to create anything of note in the second half. The Swiss snatched a deserved draw late in the game after Kubilay Türkyilmaz dispatched a penalty given for a handball against Stuart Pearce.
The penalty skewed the expected goals count towards the Swiss, but the game featured few high quality chances:
Via the pass network, England's formation resembled a 4-4-1-1 with wingers pushing high and Teddy Sheringham dropping off the front line to link play. For Switzerland it was more a game of two halves, with the second half seeing their front line push high up the pitch (substitutes included):
For England, Steve McManaman was a ready outlet in a disciplined role on the left flank and completed six of ten dribbles, reliably carrying the ball forward:
England manager Terry Venables noted his players tired as the match rolled on, and the shape of the game reflected that. England also recorded few pressure events throughout:
Paul Ince led the way with 13, Paul Gascoigne next with 10 while centre back Tony Adams hinted at the kind of front foot defending that he was renowned for with 9. For pass volume Ciriaco Sforza led the way for Switzerland with 55 attempted passes, 17 of which were in the final third, Gascoigne and the two English full backs saw the most of the ball for England, but neither side managed to contribute a good volume passes from open play into the box. Gascoigne had a limited influence on the game in the final third and was replaced in the 77th minute by David Platt. His main work was in buildup:
England face Scotland next with a win paramount to improve their chances of progressing.