PeakNews Online
- As Three Lions beat Switzerland 5-3 on penalties
Hate him or love him, Bukayo Saka turned out to be the saviour for the Three Lions scoring the equaliser that took the game against Switzerland into penalties.
England went through to the Euro 2024 semi-finals after beating Switzerland on penalties. The tense game ended 1-1 after extra-time, with both sides unable to break the deadlock.
England then faced a penalty shootout without their captain and de facto penalty taker Harry Kane, who had been replaced by Ivan Toney in the second half of extra time.
There was no need for England fans to panic though, as Gareth Southgate’s side scored all five of their penalties.
After Cole Palmer stepped up first and scored for England, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford helped the team to an early advantage in the shootout as he saved Manuel Akanji’s strike.
England’s Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Ivan Toney then followed suit with three more goals, leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold to coolly put away the fifth.
The triumphant display came three years after England were denied the Euro 2020 title when they lost on penalties to Italy.
The Prince of Wales was among fans who cheered England on at the Dusseldorf Arena and could be seen out of his seat and punching the air after their 80th minute equaliser.
England will play their semi-final match on Wednesday and face the Netherlands.
England Coach Garrett Southgate hailed his side for showing “incredible composure” during the penalty shoot and added: “I’m so, so proud of them.”
The manager also heaped praise on goal and penalty scorer Saka – who was one of the players to miss a penalty at the Euro 2020 final.
Joe
