Granit Xhaka faces awkward Harry Kane reunion after subtle dig at England star
Granit Xhaka was able to halt Harry Kane's hopes of landing silverware with Bayern Munich this year and the Swiss star could do so again when his nation take on England at the Euros
Granit Xhaka's Switzerland side will take on England on Saturday in the last eight of the Euros - with the ex-Arsenal man keen to keep his bragging rights over Harry Kane.
The Swiss have impressed thus far at the Euros, going within minutes of beating hosts Germany in the group stages before dumping out holders Italy in the last 16. They are poised to provide England's toughest test yet with Xhaka, a recent Bundesliga winner, driving their cause.
The midfielder swapped Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen this time last year and was quickly rewarded as he played a key role in their historic season. Leverkusen claimed a first ever league title and also landed the German Cup - stopping Bayern Munich doing so in the process.
That meant Kane's horrid run of never winning a trophy continued despite him joining one of Europe's serial winners. The striker will be hoping to spearhead English hopes at the Euros but will encounter a man in Xhaka, who thwarted his hopes of silverware in Germany this term.
Xhaka's previous Arsenal association, coupled with Kane's love for Tottenham, makes it all the sweeter for the player and those from the red half of north London. The Swiss midfielder was even quizzed on whether he takes satisfaction from it all - and couldn't help but smile.
He said earlier this season: “It’s part of football. We know how much quality that Harry Kane has, he’s doing very well at Bayern Munich as well. You get the message, but this has nothing to do with personalities. It’s great to have the chance to play against great players. We were the happiest team to win the league.”
Xhaka's attention is now on international matters and the Leverkusen midfielder was passed fit for Saturday's clash after an initial injury scare. He underwent a scan on an adductor problem on Monday after complaining of the issue during the Swiss’ 2-0 win over Italy last weekend.
Kane meanwhile will be expected to retain his place in an England side that could undergo mass changes, according to reports. Their system so far at the Euros hasn't worked and the Three Lions were lucky to avoid an embarrassing last 16 exit at the hands of Slovakia.
Gareth Southgate is being tipped to go with a back three and introduce wing-backs to potentially give England a new look and a new dimension, especially in attack where they have failed to fire, scoring four times in as many games.
Switzerland have never made the last four of a major tournament but in Dusseldorf have a chance to write their own history and also send England home packing, which would be another case of Xhaka denying Kane the prize he so desperately wants.
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