England secures semi-final spot in Euro 2024 after penalty shootout

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By Martin Graham | 6th Jul 2024

England has advanced to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, edging out Switzerland on penalties following an exciting 1-1 draw. Despite Breel Embolo’s late goal for Switzerland, Bukayo Saka’s brilliant equaliser pushed the match to extra time and eventually to a penalty shootout, where England emerged victorious by scoring all five penalties.

Tactical battle and early chances

England started the match in their new three-back formation, controlling possession in the opening stages. Right wing-back Saka found plenty of space on the flank, sending a cross that narrowly missed Kieran Trippier, while an offside flag cut short another promising opportunity. Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo both had long-range efforts blocked, and several cut-backs failed to find their mark as England sought an early goal.

Switzerland also had their moments, frequently delivering crosses into England’s penalty area. However, solid defending from the Three Lions ensured that Jordan Pickford’s goal remained unthreatened. Just before half-time, Mainoo’s close-range attempt was superbly blocked by Granit Xhaka, leaving both teams without a shot on target in an intriguing first half.

Drama unfolds and England triumphs on penalties

The second half saw more action, with Embolo registering the game’s first shot on target shortly after the break. Switzerland began to dominate, especially down the right wing, forcing Ezri Konsa to make several crucial interceptions. The Swiss pressure eventually paid off when Embolo scored from a deflected Dan Ndoye cross, setting up a tense final 15 minutes.

England quickly responded, with Saka cutting inside from the right and scoring a low, powerful shot past Yann Sommer to equalize. As regular time neared its end, Eberechi Eze narrowly missed with a long-range effort, but the teams remained deadlocked after 90 minutes.

In extra time, Sommer made a great save from Rice’s long-range strike and claimed another effort from Jude Bellingham. Switzerland finished the extra period stronger, with Xherdan Shaqiri hitting the post directly from a corner and Zeki Amdouni testing Pickford with a fierce shot.

The penalty shootout saw Cole Palmer score first, giving England the advantage as Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s attempt. Bellingham, Saka, and Ivan Toney all converted their penalties, as did Fabian Schar, Shaqiri, and Amdouni for Switzerland. The decisive moment came when Trent Alexander-Arnold fired his penalty into the top corner, securing England’s place in the semi-finals.