England are through to the 2024 European Championships semi-final after a penalty shootout victory over Switzerland.
Switzerland took the lead after 74 minutes through Breel Embolo and things were beginning to look bleak for Gareth Southgate’s side.
However, a brilliant goal from Bukayo Saka, who was the man of the match for the Three Lions levelled the game, much to Southgate’s relief.
Trent Alexander-Arnold struck the decisive penalty for England after Manuel Akanji missed his penalty for Switzerland.
Here are five things we learned from the encounter in Dusseldorf.
Bukayo Saka and Kobbie Mainoo excel for England
In a tournament of poor performances all around, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo have been England’s best performers.
The Arsenal winger has had an inconsistent tournament but against Switzerland Saka was causing the Swiss defence endless problems and they didn’t know how to handle him.
He struck a superb equaliser from the edge of the box to rescue the Three Lions with ten minutes to go, he was the man of the match.
As for Mainoo, since he’s been brought into the first team, he has been a sensation with his calmness in possession and his ability to drive the Three Lions forward making him a real asset.
Foden moved to number 10 did not bring the best out of Man City ace
Phil Foden, who won the Premier League’s Player of the Year award, has had such a disappointing tournament for the Three Lions.
Whether it’s being played out on the left, or even moved into the number 10 role where he excelled for Manchester City, Foden has struggled.
This continued struggle should be a concern for Southgate as the City midfielder has simply not done enough. He looked slightly more comfortable and was okay in parts, but okay is simply not good enough at this level.
England’s performances has still not gone up a gear
It was a more positive performance for England but Southgate’s side still struggled to go up that crucial gear.
England’s performances have flattered to deceive throughout the competition and this was no different, even with the tactical tweak from Southgate.
Jude Bellingham, Foden and Harry Kane have not looked at their best this tournament but these players are world-class match winners, but they look fragile and, quite frankly, tired.
Ezri Konsa’s England performance rated
England’s defensive problems have been well documented this summer with Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, two first team options for Southgate, unavailable.
With Marc Guehi being booked against Slovakia during the dramatic 2-1 victory in the last 16 of the competition, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa was chosen to replace the Crystal Palace defender.
Konsa looked solid for the Three Lions and certainly proved himself to be a capable deputy for Guehi but it will surely be the Crystal Palace defender who will regain his spot for the semi-finals.
The defender won 100 per cent of his ground duels and had a 98 per cent pass completion rate, Konsa performed very well.
What next for England at Euro 2024
Things looked bleak during the 74th minute but England press on and are into another semi-final of a major tournament after a dramatic penalty victory, the countries third under Southgate.
Turkey take on the Netherlands this evening and the winner of that fixture will take on the Three Lions in the semi-final.
It has been a rather fortunate side of the draw for the Three Lions but they march on to another semi-final.
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