Euro 2024: England Beat Switzerland In Penalties To Enter Semis (Image: x.com/EURO2024)
As the third quarterfinal match went to extra time and penalties for the third time, destiny favored England as they progressed to the semifinals of Euro 2024, beating Switzerland.
Who else but Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is the most dangerous offensive player when given enough space? Surpassing debates around his inclusion and role in the English team, he glided forward after receiving a smooth pass from his club mate Declan Rice. This happened when England sought an equalizer after Breel Embolo opened the Swiss account with only 15 minutes left to play at Dusseldorf Arena in Euro 2024. There is more to say about the talented winger: he was everywhere during the match. At times, you would see him defending on the right flank when he wasn’t creating opportunities for the Three Lions in the Swiss goal area. And finally, he found liberation from the miss he had in the last Euro finals and scored one of the five clean penalties England deliver to win the game.
Until the 75th minute, there was nothing to separate England and Switzerland, who were fighting to seal their place in the semifinals. Gareth Southgate, managing his 100th game for England, started with his best-performing midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to create more space and chances. However, Harry Kane and company repeatedly hit the Swiss wall led by Mainz’s Silvan Widmer, Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji, Torino’s Ricardo Rodriguez, and Newcastle United’s Fabian Schar. The situation was the same in England’s goal area, especially with the presence of Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.
The game strategy of Murat Yakin, the former Swiss player and current manager, was spot on when the 19th-ranked Switzerland met the 5th-ranked England, which boasts world-class talents like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Kyle Walker, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden. England must thank Everton keeper Jordan Pickford for his extraordinary performance with several key saves.
Ultimately, this game met the same fate as the last two quarterfinals of Spain vs. Germany and France vs. Portugal.
