England secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 European Championship with a thrilling 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Breel Embolo gave Switzerland the lead in the 75th minute, but Bukayo Saka equalized for England with a stunning strike from outside the box, forcing the match into extra time. Despite both teams’ efforts, the additional 30 minutes failed to produce any goals, leading to a decisive penalty shoot-out.
In the shootout, England emerged victorious with Trent Alexander-Arnold scoring the winning penalty. Cole Palmer successfully converted the first penalty for England, while Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji missed his attempt. Jude Bellingham also scored for England, and Fabian Schar replied successfully for Switzerland, making it 2-1.
Both Bukayo Saka and Xherdan Shaqiri scored their penalties, taking the score to 3-2. Ivan Toney and Amdouni both found the net, making it 4-3 in favor of England.
Trent Alexander-Arnold became the hero by converting the final penalty, sending England to the last four in Germany.
England captain Harry Kane praised his team’s resilience and Bukayo Saka’s crucial performance. “Another tough game and first of all great resilience from the lads to turn it up again. To get the goal, a fantastic finish from Bukayo Saka. Penalties are penalties, but I felt prepared. I was on the side, but I felt comfortable in the lads,” Kane said.
“Five out of five and a save from Picks [Jordan Pickford]. We trust in whoever is on the pitch and the difference this year compared to past years is we have proven penalty takers – we have a lot more experience and we showed it out there.”
England will face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Turkey quarter-final in the semi-final on Wednesday.
