Sky Sports - Euro 2008 In association with Sky Bet

The co-hosts will carry the expectations of a nation on their shoulders as they go in search of glory on home soil.

Jakob Kuhn's side are appearing at their third European Championship, and their third consecutive major finals, but have failed as yet to leave a lasting impression on the world stage. Their two previous showings at the Euros have seen them exit the competition with just a solitary point to show for their group endeavours, and as a result they will be keen to secure an historic victory in front of the home support.

Their preparations may have been blighted by injuries, but Kuhn has been able to welcome key personnel back into the fold over the weeks leading up to the tournament. A disappointing defeat at Wembley against England in February proved that the Swiss are some way short of putting together a squad capable of challenging for glory, while a 4-0 thumping against neighbours Germany a month later will have done little to restore damaged confidence.

Despite their recent troubles Kuhn, who is set to retire upon Switzerland's exit, remains optimistic that he will be able to leave the international arena with his dignity in tact. He is targeting the quarter-finals as a realistic ambition for his troops, though it remains to be seen whether the Swiss have the capabilities to claw their way out of a tough looking group.

However, should they secure a safe progression to the last eight then Greece's heroics four years ago goes to prove that anything is possible once a side gains momentum.

Manager - Jakob Kuhn

Jakob Kuhn

Kuhn will be hoping to go out with a bang after announcing his intention to step down as manager of the national side at the conclusion of the tournament.

He became the first home-grown coach of Switzerland for 12 years when he took the reins following the resignation of Argentine Enzo Trossero in 2001. His promotion from the U21 set-up to the senior side raised a few eyebrows among the Swiss faithful, but after leading the country to Euro 2004, their first major finals since 1996, the doubts soon evaporated.

Kuhn repeated the feat two years later as he booked a place at the 2006 World Cup, and guided Switzerland to the second round in Germany.

The instant success he was able to achieve was partially due to the radical changes he introduced, including the removal of many of Switzerland's more experienced internationals in favour of enthusiastic youngsters. The ploy worked, and with the majority of the 2002 UEFA European U17 Championship winning side having made the step up to the full squad the hosts could be ready to fulfil their potential on home turf.

Kuhn announced his retirement plans in October 2006, although his timing has been called into question by some. Switzerland's recent poor performances have been put down to a lack of understanding and cohesion within an international set-up unsure of what the future may hold.

However, the announcement that legendary Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld is set to fill the void left by Kuhn after this summer's championship would suggest that order will have been restored by the time the tournament gets underway on 7th June.

Star man - Eren Derdiyok

Eren Derdiyok

The youngest member of the Swiss squad, and arguably the most dangerous, Derdiyok is expected to announce himself to the world at Euro 2008.

It took him just 18 minutes to open his international goal account on his debut against England back in February, a performance which saw him begin to fulfil the considerable potential he has been displaying on the domestic stage for some time.

He was consistently among the goals for the Swiss U19 and U21 sides and will be hoping to transfer that form to the senior squad.

The 19-year-old is currently on the books of FC Basle, adapting to life in the Swiss top flight with ease since making the step up in 2006.

Despite still learning his trade, Swiss players do not tend to hang around in their homeland for long and it would come as no surprise if the talented teenager is on his way to one of Europe's top divisions in the near future.

British interest

Philippe Senderos

The Arsenal duo of Johan Djourou and Philippe Senderos will be the most recognisable members of the hosts' squad.

The defensive pairing have found first-team football hard to come by at Emirates Stadium, but will be key components of a Swiss side expected to be built on solid foundations.

Another familiar face to British supporters will be Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes.

Much is expected of the former U21 captain, and after a solid first season in the Premier League he will be hoping to continue his progression into a top class midfielder during Euro 2008.

Those with a good memory may remember eccentric keeper Pascal Zuberbuhler's fleeting spell at West Brom back in 2006, while Liverpool supporters will be keen to run the rule over new signing Philipp Degen.

The full-back has recently departed Borussia Dortmund as a free agent and will be making his way to these shores during the close season.

Why they'll win

The European Championships have been held on 12 previous occasions, with a host nation reaching at least the semi-finals at each event. The only side to fall short in front of their own supporters were Belgium in 2000, although their Dutch co-hosts made a last four encounter with Italy.

Home support is undoubtedly an advantage and the Swiss will be confident that the growing sense of optimism sweeping the country can carry them to an unexpected triumph.

Jakob Kuhn also has a relatively young squad from which to choose and many of his players will see the event as an ideal opportunity to put themselves in the shop window.

Why they won't

While history dictates that the host nations should expect success, no country has succeeded in actually taking the top prize on home soil since France back in 1984.

The Swiss will also be aware that they have failed to win any of their previous six matches at European Championships and are unlikely to be relishing the prospect of tricky group encounters with the talented Czech Republic, runners-up from four years ago Portugal and unpredictable Turkey.

While youthful exuberance may prove to be enough to cause a few upsets, there remains the distinct possibility that their inexperience and a lack of cutting edge up front could see them fall at the first hurdle once again.