ENGLAND 1-1 (AET) SWITZERLAND (5-3 pens): Bukayo Saka and Breel Embolo exchanged normal times strikes as the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 continued
England have exorcised their Euros penalty pain by seeing off Switzerland to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Despite that, the Three Lions turned in another miserable display in Dusseldorf. Once again, they struggled to create any real chances of note throughout the game.
England were punished as Breel Embolo gave the Swiss the lead with just 15 minutes remaining by tapping home at the far post. Arsenal star Bukayo Saka netted a brilliant effort just five minutes later to haul Southgate’s side level.
Switzerland went closest in extra-time after hitting the post directly from a corner. But both sides headed into penalties. Manuel Akanji missed for the Swiss to put England in control. Gareth Southgate’s men were perfect from the spot, with Trent Alexander-Arnold slotting home the winner
Here are all of the talking points as the Three Lions tee up a Euros semi-final against the Netherlands or Turkey.
Southgate opts for changes
After four disjointed performances so far in Germany, England boss Southgate finally opted for changes against Switzerland. Ezri Konsa came in for the suspended Marc Guehi.
But the most noticeable change was tactically. The Three Lions deployed a back three, with Bukayo Saka surprisingly stationed on the right with Kieran Trippier on the left.
Despite the alteration, England struggled for real, attacking fluency throughout large swaths of the game. There was more control in the first period but that completely dissolved after the break.
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Konsa impresses
The one man to come in for England – Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa – shone. Given the man he replaced, Guehi, has turned in a series of mature and eye-catching showings, the fact that Konsa has come in and replaced him without any real fuss is noteworthy.
Konsa contributed a number of crucial blocks as he kept Breel Embolo at arms’ length. Guehi will likely come straight back into the team but Konsa has not done his chances of any more England opportunities any harm at all.
Kane’s contributions limited
Harry Kane has certainly not had the best tournament. And the England captain struggled once again against Switzerland.
His movement was limited at best, while he did not look like scoring at all. His most notable contribution was a contentious halfway line foul on Man City defender Manuel Akanji that saw him pick up a booking.
He then was at the heart of a heavy collision in the dugout during extra-time before being replaced by Ivan Toney.
Embolo strikes Swiss opener
Switzerland did not really create anything of note throughout the game but the one chance they did create, they put away. Ruben Vargas put in an excellent, low cross.
John Stones found himself in an awkward position and opted to prod out a toe. But that only served to divert it to Embolo, who stretched to score. England were shellshocked – and Southgate reacted with three substitutions.
Saka the hero
And those changes appeared to pay dividends – but it wasn’t those introduced that played a key role. Saka received the ball on the right, cut inside onto his left foot and struck a low effort.
Thankfully, it skipped just in front of goal and nestled into the corner via the post. The goal triggered wild celebrations from Southgate, who likely breathed yet another sigh of relief.
Away from the goal, Saka was excellent on the right, giving Michel Aebischer a torrid evening in the process.
Penalty paradise
And as sure as night turns into day, England headed into a penalty shootout in a major international tournament. With Kane off the pitch, Cole Palmer took the first penalty and scored.
Pickford then saved from Akanji to hand England the advantage. Bellingham, Schar, Saka and Shaqiri were all successful.
Toney followed that up with his own perfect effort, while Abdouni kept Switzerland in it. Alexander-Arnold then stepped up to give England a place in the last four – and did just that.
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