England must be weary of Swiss - Keane

Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has warned England not to underestimate Euro 2004 rivals Switzerland ahead of today’s must-win Group B showdown.

The Irish were drawn alongside the Swiss in the qualifying stages of this year’s European Championship and tasted defeat in both matches, losing 2-1 in Dublin and 2-0 in Basle.

And, although Kobi Kuhn’s side failed to impress during a laborious 0-0 draw with Croatia, Keane – whose Tottenham team-mates Ledley King and Paul Robinson are in England’s squad – insists they will present a mighty challenge.

“They are a tough side and did well against us in the two games – it is going to be a difficult game for England,” he told the club’s official website, www.spurs.co.uk.

“It is going to be a tough game for England and I just hope that people don’t expect them to walk all over Switzerland. It is going to be a lot harder than that.

“If you tried to compare them with a Premiership equivalent they would be a bit like Charlton.

“They really work hard for each other, there aren’t really any superstar players, but they have got a unit that works for them.”