England Secures Semifinals with Flawless Shootout Win Over Switzerland

England secured a spot in the Euro 2024 semifinals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Switzerland, following a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time. This marked the third consecutive quarter-final to end in a draw.

Trent Alexander-Arnold clinched the win for England with a decisive penalty, while Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji missed his attempt, sealing their fate.

The match was evenly contested and could have swung either way, with Switzerland proving to be a formidable and well-organized opponent. Bukayo Saka was England’s standout performer, scoring the crucial equalizer and remaining a constant threat throughout the 120 minutes.

The first half was intense but lacked clear chances, with neither team managing a shot on target. England heavily relied on the right-wing prowess of Saka, who was their most dangerous player with his quick runs and impressive touches, though Switzerland managed to contain him effectively.

Switzerland’s best opportunity in the early stages came in the 56th minute when Breel Embolo’s close-range header was easily handled by Jordan Pickford. Shortly after, a long ball from the Swiss defense caught England off guard, resulting in a corner kick.

Switzerland’s persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Embolo scored, slipping between England’s defenders to tap in a low cross past Pickford. However, England responded just five minutes later, with Saka firing a precise shot into the bottom left corner to equalize.

Before extra time, Switzerland nearly took the lead again with a cross that neither Embolo nor Dan Ndoye could convert. In extra time, England’s Declan Rice tested Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer with a powerful long-range shot, followed by a well-placed but not powerful enough attempt from Jude Bellingham.

Switzerland dominated the second half of extra time with several chances, the best being Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner kick that hit the post. England also had a late penalty appeal turned down.

The penalty shootout saw England flawlessly convert all five of their attempts, with Alexander-Arnold scoring the decisive one. Sommer, known for his penalty-saving abilities, was unable to stop any of England’s well-placed shots. Akanji’s miss, which was easily saved by Pickford, ultimately cost Switzerland the match. England’s successful penalties were taken by Palmer, Bellingham, Saka, Toney, and Alexander-Arnold.