Swiss are all heart, says Kerr

England have been warned to beware of Swiss "spirit and pride" at Euro 2004.

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr, whose team lost out to Switzerland in the qualifying campaign, said: "Switzerland are a big, physical team, technically quite good but their strength is their spirit and pride of playing for their country. England should not underestimate them.

"Up front they have the experience of Stephane Chapuisat and Alexander Frei who plays a clever game with Hakan Yakin operating just off the main strikers."

Kerr singled out Turkish-born striker Yakin, who averages almost a goal every two games for Switzerland, as a dangerous runner from deep in coach Kobi Kuhn's preferred 4-3-1-2 system.

Meanwhile, midfielder Johann Vogel handed Kuhn a major boost today when he promised that he will be fit for Sunday's opener against Croatia. The PSV Eindhoven star arrived in Portugal on Monday with a thigh injury, and although he was always expected to shake off the problem in time for the clash in Leiria, he today insisted that there is no doubt.

"I am still not at 100 per cent, but it was much better today. I'll be ready for Croatia," he said before having more treatment yesterday.