England Reach Euro 2024 Semi-finals After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win Against Switzerland

England’s quest for their first major tournament victory in 58 years remained alive after another late comeback. On Saturday, they defeated Switzerland 5-3 on penalties to advance to the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

After the 120 minutes ended 1-1, goalie Jordan Pickford was the Three Lions’ hero in the shootout, saving Switzerland’s first penalty kick from Manuel Akanji.

Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold converted penalties to advance England to a semi-final against Turkey or the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday.

After needing Bellingham’s 95th-minute equalizer to beat Slovakia in extra time in the last 16, England was again on the verge of defeat with 10 minutes remaining.

Breel Embolo’s goal put Switzerland ahead after a dull first 75 minutes of play.

Five minutes later, Saka’s excellent strike from outside the box equalized England’s first shot on target.

Akanji, a Manchester City defender, was the unfortunate penalty villain as Switzerland’s dismal record in major tournament quarterfinals continued.

They have now lost five games without ever reaching the semi-finals.

England, on the other hand, continues to march on despite yet another disappointing performance from Gareth Southgate’s side.

“We know there are two more games, we can change our lives and make more history that’s not been done before,” Saka, the match-winning player, said.

In his 100th match in command of his country, Southgate rejected calls for personnel changes but did adjust his strategy.

Ezri Konsa made his competitive international debut in place of the suspended Marc Guehi as England switched to a back three.

However, contrary to expectations, Saka remained on the right in what turned out to be a smart decision by Southgate.

The Arsenal winger posed by far the most serious threat in a first half in which neither team registered a shot on goal.

Saka was slipping past Michel Aebischer at will, producing the greatest chance of the first period when Kobbie Mainoo’s strike was diverted behind just before halftime.

The game continued at the same laborious pace for both teams into the second half.

Southgate has been often chastised for being too sluggish to impact games with his substitutions.

England makes belated alterations.

Despite possessing one of the most skilled squads in the tournament, England’s manager had to shake things up once they fell behind.

England appeared on the verge of a humiliating defeat when Embolo pounced at the far post to convert Dan Ndoye’s deflected cross.

Southgate reacted instantly, sending on Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Luke Shaw, who was making his first appearance since February.

Within five minutes, they were level after Saka cut inside and shot low and hard off the far post.

Yann Sommer made a great stop by denying England’s Declan Rice a second goal early in extra time.

Harry Kane was then pulled off hurt following a frightening fall into England’s dugout.

Switzerland came closest in the second half of extra time, with Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner rebounding off the post and Pickford parrying Zeki Amdouni’s powerful shot from distance.

England had only won one of five previous penalty shootouts at the Euros, including a defeat to Italy in the final three years prior.

However, they were spot-on, as Saka atoned for his critical miss in the Euro 2020 final.

“For me, it is something I embrace,” Saka explained. “You can fail once, but choose not to put yourself in that situation again.

“We have some of the best takers in the Premier League and worldwide.

“We were pretty confident regarding penalties, and that showed today. We got five out of five and advanced to the next round.

Source: CNN