ENGLAND advanced to the semi-finals of the Euro 2024 European Championship tonight with a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Switzerland in Dusseldorf, Germany.
The cagey encounter ended 1-1 in full-time and extra-time, with England converting all their five kicks in the resulting penalty shootout.
Breel Embolo gave Switzerland a second half lead before Bukayo Saka bailed England out with a fine finish to even the scores.
After a first half of few chances, Embolo finally got Switzerland in front in the 75th minute, touching home a low cross.
The goal stung England head coach Gareth Southgate into action as he made a triple substitution, bringing on Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and Luke Shaw for Kobbie Mainoo, Ezra Konsa and Kieran Trippier.
The changes had the desired effect as England became more fluid and dangerous, but it was a starter Saka who got them back level with a low, curling shot from outside the Switzerland box in the 80th minute.
England, who have had a poor record in penalty shootouts, were deadly from 12 yards tonight as Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold all scored.
Manuel Akanji missed Switzerland’s first kick and it was enough to send them home as England reached a second consecutive European Championship semi-final, where they will meet either the Netherlands or Turkey.
