Back to the Liverpool Newsfeed

Switzerland stand-in skipper Xherdan Shaqiri put on the defensive over his recent quiet display against France as Liverpool forward prepares to take captaincy from the suspended Granit Xhaka for Spain quarter-final

Xherdan Shaqiri will captain Switzerland in the absence of the suspended Granit Xhaka against Spain — but the Liverpool forward has been forced to defend his own contribution.

Despite scoring twice in the 3-1 win over Turkey to seal qualification for the second round, Shaqiri has been criticised in some quarters for a quieter showing against France.

He was substituted before Switzerland’s stunning late comeback to draw 3-3 and force a shootout, in which they eliminated the world champions.

Xherdan Shaqiri was forced to come out and defend his game as he prepares to captain Switzerland in their Euro 2020 last eight clash with Spain
Shaqiri (right) failed to impress in the victory over France this week and was then substituted

And Shaqiri was less than impressed when it was put to him that he would have to do better during tonight’s quarter-final in St Petersburg.