England U21s got their European Championships campaign off to a nightmare start as Dan Ndoye’s strike gave Switzerland all three points in their Group D opener.
Ndoye’s 77th minute effort proved the only goal of the game to earn a 1-0 win in Slovenia, to leave Aidy Boothroyd’s men already up against it to reach the quarter-finals, with group games against Croatia and Portugal to come.
They will have to improve after defeat in Slovenia, with Lloyd Kelly heading their best chance wide in the first half.
Switzerland lost just once in qualifying from Group Two, finishing behind France on goal difference, to reach the finals for the first time in 10 years and they gave the Young Lions the first scare after 14 minutes.
It was all of England’s own making as Ben Godfrey gifted the ball to Toma who fed Zeqiri but the Brighton forward shot too close to Ramsdale with just the goalkeeper to beat.
A minute later Tom Davies swept over from 20 yards and Callum Hudson-Odoi curled wide soon after but, driven by the impressive Toma, Switzerland had gained a grasp of the game.
The Young Lions dominated the early possession but the Swiss had the better chances and Ramsdale turned Ndoye’s drive behind before Zeqiri headed wide after 28 minutes.
Kelly did head off target five minutes later but, against the disciplined Swiss, England struggled to find any serious attacking rhythm.
Boothroyd’s side also continued to give Switzerland openings and they escaped five minutes after the break.
Davies wasted possession and, when Jeremy Guillemenot crossed, the onrushing Toma hit a post from 10 yards.
It was another let-off and, while Hudson-Odoi’s free kick was turned wide by Anthony Racioppi, England never got going in the second half.
Ramsdale saved Kastriot Imeri’s low effort but Switzerland grabbed a deserved winner with 13 minutes left.
Imeri laid the ball off for Ndoye and, despite slipping as he shot, the striker’s effort from the edge of the area looped into the top corner.
Additional reporting by PA.
