Home » England into Euro 2024 semi-finals after edging Switzerland on dramatic shoot-out

England into Euro 2024 semi-finals after edging Switzerland on dramatic shoot-out

Written By : Tommy — July 7, 2024

England somehow continued their journey after edging a better side, Switzerland, to book a Euro 2024 semi-final spot by penalty shoot-out.

Murat Rakin’s team outclassed Gareth Southgate’s side, but both struggled to find a goal until the hour mark.

Switzerland dominated for much of the second half and broke the deadlock when Breel Embolo made it 1-0. However, Bukayo Saka produced a pinpoint strike shortly after to equalize and save Three Lions from another disappointing performance.

After extra time, the match was decided by a penalty shoot-out. Jordan Pickford’s save from Manuel Akanji’s first kick set the tone, and England’s players didn’t miss a beat, securing their spot in the semi-finals.

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Germany 1-2 Spain – Euro 2024 Quarterfinal highlights

Find all Euro 2024 Quarterfinal fixtures here

EURO 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

Switzerland 1-1 England (3-5 Pen) – Euro 2024 Quarter-final highlights

Switzerland choked England in the final third during the first half, while Harry Kane was nowhere to be found, and Saka struggled to find a way to break through the opponents’ solid defense.

Granit Xhaka and co-pressed more after half-time. Target-man Embolo turned Konsa but shot straight at Pickford. Kane tried to turn Akanji, only for Switzerland’s No 5 to gently level England’s captain off the ball. Xhaka and Remo Freuler were bossing the midfield. At the same time, the golden boys Bellingham and Foden from England underperformed and failed to replicate their club levels.

There was no response from Southgate. Switzerland’s goal duly arrived in the 75th minute. Widmer and Zuber combined before Konsa allowed Ndoye to fizz in a low ball. With a touch, Stones took it on, and Kyle Walker lost Embolo, who slid in to beat Pickford.

Embolo scored first as Switzerland took the lead

Southgate reacted, Palmer, Eze, and – at long last – Shaw coming on for Mainoo, Trippier, and Konsa. Saka took a pass from Rice and cut inside, bending a left-footed shot through the bodies and beyond the unsighted Sommer.

It was a moment of sheer unpredictability when Saka leveled the score to 1-1, a stark contrast to England’s consistent dependence on individual performances throughout the Euro.

Bukayo Saka equalized for England with their first shot on target

Despite the odds, England managed to force extra time with Saka’s unexpected goal. They fought on, with Shaw showing defiance on his first appearance in five months and Eze impressing despite being out of position. However, it was clear that England were hanging on at the end, with Shaqiri’s near miss and Pickford’s excellent save from Amdouni.

The shoot-out was inevitable, and the tension was palpable. Switzerland, who had lost five of their previous shoot-outs, had more reasons to worry than their opponents, who were clearly aiming for penalties.

England and Switzerland settled for penalties

The Shoot-outs

Subbed Palmer scored his. Pickford checked his notes, delayed, and dived to his left to save Akanji’s weak effort. Bellingham, Saka and Toney were nonchalant. Schär, Amdouni, and Shaqiri responded, but Alexander-Arnold’s emphatic effort made it 5-3.

Alexander-Arnold scored the last kick to give England the ticket to semi

Some may still hate Southgate, but remember, since his taking over of England, they have always made it at least to the quarter-final, semi-final, and final in major competitions:

2018 World Cup: Semi-Final
2020 Euros: Final
2022 World Cup: Quarter-Final
2024 Euro: Semi-Final (for now)

Tags: England, Euro 2024, Switzerland