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England made it difficult again, but Gareth Southgate’s side are through to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after a penalty-shootout victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
After England barely navigated their last-16 tie with Slovakia, requiring an added-time overhead kick from Jude Bellingham and extra-time goal from Harry Kane, attention turned to Switzerland on Saturday (6 July).
And the Three Lions fell behind in Dusseldorf, just as they did in their previous knockout game, as Breel Embolo stabbed home from close range with 15 minutes left in normal time.
But England again showed great character to fight back, as Bukayo Saka picked out the bottom corner with a sumptuous strike from the edge of the box. That goal, in the 80th minute, forced a period of extra time in which neither team could break the deadlock.
And so penalties ensued, with England faultless from the spot as they claimed victory. Bellingham, Saka, Cole Palmer, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold all scored to book a semi-final spot – while Jordan Pickford provided a crucial save.
Next up? The semi-finals. But against whom? And who awaits if England reach the final?
Semi-final: Dortmund, Wednesday 10 July
England will face Turkey or Netherlands, after they knocked out Austria and Romania respectively. Turkey play Netherlands on Saturday (6 July) evening.
Final: Berlin, Sunday 14 July
If Southgate guides this stuttering but star-studded England team to the final of Euro 2024, they will face Spain or France.
Spain beat Germany in the final moments of extra time in the quarter-finals, while France edged past Portugal on penalties.
On current form, England’s opponents will be favourites if the Three Lions reach the final.
