England have made it to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 for the third time in four attempts under Gareth Southgate, following a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland in Dusseldorf.
The match was a tight and tense affair, with few clear-cut chances created by either side. It was left to penalties to decide the outcome, with England ultimately emerging victorious after Manuel Akanji’s penalty was saved by Jordan Pickford.
Trent Alexander-Arnold slotted home England’s fifth penalty to seal the win, sending the Three Lions through to the semi-finals.
The match had been goalless until Breel Embolo gave Switzerland the lead with 15 minutes remaining in normal time. However, Bukayo Saka equalized for England just five minutes later with a stunning low, long-range drive.
In extra-time, Xherdan Shaqiri came close to scoring directly from a corner, hitting the angle of post and bar.
England will now face the winner of the Netherlands and Turkey in the semi-final on Wednesday night at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park.
The Three Lions are looking to make their first major tournament final appearance since winning the World Cup in 1966.
