Swiss hit by retirements
Hitzfeld has to look to the future after old guard stand down
Last Updated: April 8, 2011 4:48pm
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Hitzfeld: Will have to evaluate striking options ahead of England game
Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has seen his preparations for the game against England hampered by the retirement of key players.
Striking duo Alexander Frei and Marco Streller have both stood down from international football and have cited criticism from the fans as the main reason.
Their decision means the Basel team-mates will not face England at Wembley on 4th June.
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The news is a blow to the former Bayern Munich coach who is now preparing for life without his country's best attacking options.
Reasons
"On a personal level, I understand their reasons," Hitzfeld said in a Swiss football federation statement.
"Now we have a decisive match in England and I must plan differently."
Frei is Switzerland's all-time leading scorer with 42 goals in 84 matches. During his international career, he played in two World Cups and two European Championships.
"I can say with a clear conscience that I've always tried to give my best," said Frei.
Streller also showed his ability at international level with 12 goals in 37 outings for his country.
Hitzfeld will look to replace his experienced duo with Eren Derdiyok, 22, from Bayer Leverkusen, and Schalke's Mario Gavranovic, 21.
Alexander Frei
Marco Streller
