Meet Switzerland’s Wags, from a Kosovan pop star to ex-Prem star’s wife ahead of quarter-final clash with England
ON Saturday afternoon, England’s Euro 2024 campaign resumes with renewed optimism.
The display against Slovakia might not have been the best, but Jude Bellingham’s injury time overhead kick and Harry Kane’s extra-time winner could just kick-start our tournament.
Throughout the championships, the Three Lions stars have been supported by their Wags.
Stood in unison in the stands and following them around Germany in private jets, they present a formidable force of girl power.
But what about their Swiss counterparts?
Let SunSport introduce you to Switzerland’s gorgeous partners.
Leonita Xhaka
Brunette stunner Leonita boasts a significant presence on social media.
She has over 205,000 followers on Instagram, although she keeps her account private.
The Albanian stunner began dating ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in 2015, and they soon married two years later.
During her time on our shores, Leonita reportedly fell in love with Camden Town.
But Granit had to deny she had any sway in where he ended up playing after leaving the Gunners.
Dhurata Ahmetaj
The Kosovan pop star is the rumoured girlfriend of ex-Liverpool ace Xherdan Shaqiri.
The pair’s romance reportedly began in 2020, when she would fly to the UK to spend time with him.
They were soon seen lapping up a summer holiday on a boat trip in Formentera.
Dhurata lives an envious lifestyle, which she shares with her 550,000 plus followers on Instagram – from trips to Lake Como to shopping sprees at Cartier.
Kiki Freuler
Kristina, who goes by the nickname Kiki, married ex-Nottingham Forest ace Remo Freuler in 2019.
The pair have since relocated to Italy, where the midfielder plays for an impressive Bologna side.
Kiki has been sharing her experiences in Germany as she’s followed the Swiss national side.
The pair share a son together called Romeo.
Alexandra Munger
Another who is used to life on England’s shores is Alexandra.
She is based in the North-East, where she lives with Newcastle United’s Fabian Schar.
They began dating in 2019, when the defender turned out for Swiss giants FC Basel.
But they were forced to live apart until she finished her law degree in Zurich.
The pair are yet to have children.
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Switzerland Euro 2024 guide
IN RECENT years, the Swiss national team have been as reliable as one of their watches.
They’ll always be at tournaments and always go out in the last 16 – with the exception of Euro 2020 when they stunned France to win on penalties and reach the quarter-finals.
MANAGER: Murat Yakin
Former Basel coach who had a brush with Jose Mourinho in 2013, beating Chelsea in the Champions League.
STAR MAN: Granit Xhaka
The Swiss captain makes everything tick and is coming off the best season of his career, winning the double at Bayer Leverkusen.
How Switzerland attack
Switzerland are comfortable playing out from the back and can launch quick attacking moves with a pass from defence.
They will then quickly get the ball wide or to the strikers’ feet before pushing multiple players forward to occupy space.
How Switzerland defend
Switzerland are versatile in the way they defend and comfortable hanging back in a low block.
But at times they will completely change their approach to press high and catch the opposition off-guard.
Read the full Switzerland Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
Melanie Akanji
Melanie was recently seen on the Etihad pitch celebrating her husband’s famous Premier League win.
She is the other half of Man City’s ball-playing defender, Manuel Akanji.
The pair have been a couple since 2016, and she showed her devotion by moving to Dortmund to be with him.
They got hitched in 2019.
Meet England's Euro 2024 Wags
England Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.
Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)
The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.
Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)
The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.
Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)
Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.
Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)
England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.
Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)
Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.
Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)
Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.
Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)
The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.
Read more about the Wags supporting England at Euro 2024 here
Alexandra Crum
Keeping a relatively low profile is the beautiful Alexandra.
Her partner is Nico Elvedi, who plays at the back for German side Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Although he could have been playing his football for Wolves, if a move went through.
According to reports, Alexandra was keen on a move to the Midlands.