Xhaka and Akanji named in Switzerland squad for Euro 2024
Murat Yakin has named his Switzerland squad for Euro 2024, with both Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji included in his 26-man group.
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka and defender Manuel Akanji have both been named in Murat Yakin's Euro 2024 squad.
Yakin named a preliminary 33-man group last month in the hopes of replicating their fine run at the last tournament, where they were beaten by Spain in the last eight after eliminating favourites France on penalties.
Notable absentees from the final party include Genk striker Andi Zaqiri, who scored nine goals in 37 appearances in 2023-24, as well as Kevin Mbabu, who has 24 caps and was part of the side that beat Didier Deschamps' men three years ago.
Former Arsenal skipper Xhaka will lead his side for a third time at an international tournament, after helping Bayer Leverkusen win their first Bundesliga title this season.
Manchester City's Akanji has enjoyed another fine season, helping the Citizens keep 17 clean sheets in 48 appearances in all competitions as he continues to assert himself as one of the Premier League's finest defenders.
As part of their Euro 2024 preparation, Switzerland will host Austria in a friendly match on Saturday before travelling to Germany.
The Swiss will kickstart their Group A campaign against Hungary in Koln on June 15, followed by an encounter with Scotland and a meeting with the hosts.
Final Switzerland squad: Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Yvon Mvogo (Lorient), Yann Sommer (Inter Milan), Manuel Akanji (Manchester City), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Rodriguez (Torino), Fabian Schar (Newcastle United), Leonidas Stergiou (Stuttgart), Silvan Widmer (Mainz), Cedric Zesiger (Wolfsburg), Michel Aebischer (Bologna), Zeki Amdouni (Burnley), Kwadwo Duah (Ludogorets), Breel Embolo (Monaco), Remo Freuler (Nottingham Forest), Ardon Jashari (FC Luzern), Dan Ndoye (Bologna), Noah Okafor (AC Milan), Fabian Rieder (Rennes), Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire), Vincent Sierro (Toulouse), Renato Steffen (Lugano), Ruben Vargas (Augsburg), Granit Xhaka (Arsenal), Denis Zakaria (Monaco), Steven Zuber (AEK Athens).