Euro 2024: Saka shines as England beat Switzerland to reach semi-finals

England’s pursuit of their first major tournament victory in nearly six decades remains alive after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Switzerland.

The Three Lions secured a 5-3 victory on penalties to advance to the Euro 2024 semi-finals, following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of play.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford emerged as England’s hero, saving the first penalty from Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji. England’s penalty takers—Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—were flawless, securing a semi-final clash with either Turkey or the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday.

READ ALSO :How Portugal’s Euro exit will likely herald Ronaldo’s int’l retirement

England had previously needed a late equalizer from Bellingham to overcome Slovakia in the last 16, and they faced a similar scenario against Switzerland. With 10 minutes remaining, they were trailing after a largely uneventful match.

Breel Embolo broke the deadlock for Switzerland, but England responded swiftly with their first shot on target, a stunning strike from Saka from outside the box.

Despite a history of poor performances in major tournament quarter-finals, Switzerland once again fell short. Akanji’s missed penalty added to their woes, continuing their streak of never reaching a semi-final.

England, on the other hand, progresses despite another lackluster display. Manager Gareth Southgate, in his 100th match in charge, made strategic adjustments, including handing Ezri Konsa his first competitive international start in place of the suspended Marc Guehi and switching to a back three.

Saka, retained on the right wing, proved to be England’s most dangerous player in a first half that saw no shots on target from either side. He continuously troubled Switzerland’s defense and created a significant chance for Kobbie Mainoo just before half-time.

The match maintained a slow pace into the second half until Embolo’s weak effort was easily saved by Pickford. Southgate, often criticized for his late substitutions, made impactful changes after England fell behind. The introductions of Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Luke Shaw revitalized the team.

Saka equalized within five minutes, cutting inside and firing in off the far post. Switzerland’s Yann Sommer made a crucial save to deny Declan Rice during extra time, and Harry Kane suffered an injury after a fall.

Switzerland nearly scored in the second half of extra time when Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner hit the woodwork, and Pickford saved a powerful strike from Zeki Amdouni.

England’s penalty history at the Euros has been mixed, but they executed perfectly this time. Saka, who had missed the decisive penalty in the Euro 2020 final, found redemption with his successful spot-kick.

England now looks ahead to their semi-final match, with hopes of ending their long wait for a major tournament title still intact.