Sunday, November 17, 2024

England vs Switzerland player ratings: Pickford the hero but Kane looks jaded at Euro 2024

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England beat Switzerland 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out on Saturday to reach the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

Jordan Pickford saved Switzerland’s first spot-kick, from Manuel Akanji, then England’s takers were all successful, Trent Alexander-Arnold firing home the decisive fifth.

Telegraph Sport analyses and rates each England player’s performance while, below, you can mark Southgate’s charges out of 10. 

England (3-4-2-1)

Jordan Pickford

England’s penalty shoot-out hero yet again. Saved Akanji’s first spot-kick for the Swiss and it proved to be vital. 8/10

Kyle Walker

This has not been a great tournament for Walker and a better performance was ruined by the fact Embolo got ahead of him to score. 5/10

John Stones

Could not quite get a firm enough touch to the Ndoye cross from which Embolo put Switzerland ahead. Calm and composed otherwise. 6/10

Ezri Konsa

The Aston Villa defender stepped in for the suspended Marc Guehi and barely put a foot wrong before Ndoye’s cross for Embolo went through his legs. 7/10

Bukayo Saka

England’s most dangerous man for the entire game and scored the vital equaliser with a brilliant curling shot and netted from the spot. 9/10

Kobbie Mainoo 

An excellent performance from the 19-year-old. Created space for himself and carried England forward. Had a shot blocked by Xhaka. 7/10

Declan Rice

Looked much happier with three central defenders behind him, which meant the Arsenal man did not play so deep. Saw an extra-time shot brilliantly saved. 7/10

Kieran Trippier

Asked to stay on the left by Southgate, this time in a higher position, and had to cut back to deliver crosses. Replaced by Shaw. 6/10

Jude Bellingham

Drew a booking for Schar after beating him on the left and getting brought down. Moved further back after Southgate made his first substitutions and was nerveless from the spot. 8/10

Phil Foden

Busy, busy, busy. Foden ran his socks off, but we are still waiting for that moment we see so regularly for Manchester City. 6/10

Harry Kane

The captain did not look at all comfortable. England wanted him to lead the press and he just could not do it. Took an extra-time tumble into the dug-out and forced off. 4/10

Subs

Cole Palmer 78 (for Konsa): Nerves of ice. ‘Cold’ Palmer not only stepped up to take a penalty, but took and scored England’s first of the shoot-out. 8/10 
Luke Shaw 78 (for Trippier): Finally we saw the Manchester United left-back as Southgate reacted to Switzerland’s opening goal. One crucial extra-time block. 7/10 
Eberechi Eze 78 (for Mainoo): Thrown on in desperation by Southgate and pulled one shot wide. Did well defensively as a makeshift wing-back. 7/10
Ivan Toney 105 (for Kane): Replaced the captain in time for the penalty shoot-out and scored with his kick. 8/10
Trent Alexander-Arnold 115 (for Foden): Sent on late and scored the penalty in the shoot-out that sent England into the semi-finals. 8/10

Not used: Aaron Ramsdale (g), Dean Henderson (g), Joe Gomez, Lewis Dunk, Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Ollie Watkins.

Booked: Kane.

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