Euro 2024: England conquer Swiss challenge to reach semi-finals

England have reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Switzerland. The tense match ended 1-1 after extra time, leading to a nail-biting conclusion.

The game saw both teams struggling to break the deadlock, with England missing their usual penalty taker, Harry Kane, who was replaced by Ivan Toney in the second half of extra time. However, England fans had no need to worry as Gareth Southgate’s team scored all five of their penalties.

Cole Palmer set the tone by scoring the first penalty, followed by a crucial save from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford against Manuel Akanji’s strike. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Ivan Toney each scored their penalties, leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold to secure the win with the final kick.

This victory comes three years after England’s heartbreaking loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, where they were defeated in a penalty shootout. Among the fans celebrating was Prince William, who was visibly excited after Saka’s equalizer in the 80th minute.

England’s quarter-final journey began with a setback when Switzerland’s Breel Embolo scored in the 75th minute. However, Saka quickly leveled the score just five minutes later, leading the game into extra time.

Despite some tense moments, including a near goal from Declan Rice, England held firm. Their previous match also went into extra time, where they narrowly defeated Slovakia with a last-minute goal from Jude Bellingham and a winner from Harry Kane.

This match marked Gareth Southgate’s 100th game as England manager, a milestone he modestly downplayed. Despite criticism for their earlier performances, Southgate expressed confidence in his team’s mental resilience.

England will play their semi-final match on Wednesday, facing either the Netherlands or Turkey.