The Swiss did the double over Ireland in the qualifying group, winning 2-1 at Lansdowne Road in what proved to be Mick McCarthy’s downfall in the wake of his 2002 World Cup row with Roy Keane.

Then last October, under Kerr, Ireland lost 2-0 in Basle in the final Group 10 qualifying tie. The Swiss lost only once, 4-1 to Russia in Moscow, to finish top of the group.

“Switzerland are a big physical team, technically quite good but their strength is their spirit and pride of playing for Switzerland,” said Kerr. “England should not underestimate them.

“Up front they have the experience of Chapuisat and 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.

Yakin’s three goals in seven appearances – significantly the only game he missed was the away defeat by Russia – proved crucial for Switzerland and, together with his impressive form for FC Basle in their 2002-03 Champions League campaign, underlined his growing status.

During the winter break a proposed move to Turkish club Fenerbahce fell through before Basle agreed to sell Yakin and fellow Swiss international Marco Streller to VfB Stuttgart.

Yakin’s appearances have been limited in the Bundesliga by a lack of fitness but this does not seem to have affected his performances for the national team. He scored the winner in a recent 2-1 friendly against Slovenia in Geneva – his 12th goal in 29 appearances for Switzerland.

“Hakan is the danger man,” said Kerr. “His movement is good, he picks the ball up in effective positions and is a good finisher. You cannot play goal-side of Hakan or else you end up with almost five at the back with one man playing so deep.”

Another Swiss strength is that the team have been together for two years. Kerr said: “They were very consistent over the eight [qualifying] games in terms of team selection and personnel. I think nine players played in every tie with just one or two changes.

“This helps to develop spirit and a clear pattern of play. They have some good young players coming through after winning the European Under-17s three years ago.

“FC Basle, where many of the best players are, have also had an influence on the national side, making progress in the Champions League in the last couple of seasons.”