by England pulled off another incredible comeback on Saturday, defeating Switzerland in a penalty shootout to move on to the Euro 2024 semifinals. Bukayo Saka was the hero of the match.
Goalie Jordan Pickford made the lone save from Manuel Akanji, but Saka, who memorably missed the final kick of the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy, maintained composure to help Gareth Southgate’s team win 5-3.
Saka, an Arsenal player who has been one of Southgate’s few shining lights in a disappointing and frequently perplexing season, equalized in the 80th minute to send this semifinal into extra time.
It was inspired by the same playbook as the team’s thrilling round-of-16 victory over Slovakia on Sunday, but Saka’s effort was made much sooner than Jude Bellingham’s incredible late-game move that day.
Switzerland had taken the lead in a tight and strategic match five minutes earlier with a goal from their first real opportunity. Breel Embolo’s outstretched foot met a well-placed cross from the right, and he deflected the ball past Pickford by shrugging off his marker.
In an attempt to infuse some much-needed enthusiasm, Southgate made three changes: Cole Palmer, Luke Shaw, and Ezerechi Eze in place of Ezri Konsa, Kieran Trippier, and Kobbie Mainoo.
Yes, it did. Palmer spiced things up with some fast feet, Shaw was physical even though he hadn’t played in five months, and Declan Rice ultimately found Saka on the right.
This time, there was no attempt at a cross as he cut inside and expertly curled a left-foot shot inside Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s post.
Even though England’s new “back three” formation appeared to be a little more direct overall, not enough quality opportunities were created.
But there was relief again as extra time ticked off and the possibility of facing the Netherlands in the semifinals against Turkey’s winner loomed.
The team had to endure several anxious moments against the dogged and relentless Swiss before they could even enter the shootout zone, despite England’s turbulent past with shootouts.
Xherdan Shaqiri’s deft attempt from a corner kept Pickford on his toes, and as the minutes passed, Zeki Amdouni forced another stop.
Harry Kane, who usually takes penalties, was replaced in extra time because of fatigue and a potential injury. Phil Foden, another player who flourishes under pressure, also gave a strong performance.
Still, Southgate was right.
He had three substitutes score penalties. To set the tone, Palmer came forward nervelessly to take the lead and gave Sommer the wrong look. Following goals by Jude Bellingham and Saka, Toney’s aim was accurate.
The task was then given to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was widely criticized for failing the first two games when he was used in midfield.
This time, he did not let England down.
POSTED BY SOCCERFORYOU
