England triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure a place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, exorcising the ghosts of their past shootout failures. The win over Switzerland in Düsseldorf was particularly sweet for Bukayo Saka, who erased the painful memory of his decisive miss in the Euro 2020 final against Italy. This shootout victory was only England’s second win in six Euro penalty shootouts.
Before this match, England’s tournament had been relatively uneventful, with the team generating an average of just 0.93 expected goals (xG) per game, even with extra-time against Slovakia. Only six teams had a lower average xG, while their quarter-final opponents, Switzerland, boasted a higher average of 1.34 xG per game.
England make their way to Euro 2024 semifinals
Fans, frustrated by England’s lackluster performances, were given hope by Gareth Southgate’s decision to switch to a back three for this game. This change, seen on the released teamsheet, was a bold move, as England had not started a game with a back three since facing Germany in September 2022, 24 matches ago. The formation switch came with risks, but the unknown seemed more appealing than a continuation of previous tactics.
When the game began, England indeed lined up with three at the back, but in an unexpected manner. Bukayo Saka took up an unfamiliar right wing-back position, while Kieran Trippier, a right-footed makeshift left-back, remained on the left. Saka, however, was instructed to push high up the pitch and occupy dangerous positions, which proved to be a masterstroke by Southgate.
Bukayo Saka makes amends
Within the first half hour, Saka had already completed three successful dribbles, matching his total from any prior game at Euro 2024. He was England’s most threatening attacker by a considerable margin.
The first half was cagey, with neither team able to break the deadlock. The tension mounted until the 75th minute when Breel Embolo stunned the English supporters by scoring for Switzerland. The AS Monaco striker capitalized on a dangerous cross, diving to direct the ball past Jordan Pickford and into the net.
In response, Saka moved to the center from the right flank and unleashed a grounded shot that struck the left crossbar and ricocheted into Yann Sommer’s net. This goal, which came from England’s first shot on target, brought immense relief to Gareth Southgate and fans worldwide.
100 percent penalty conversion
Early in extra time, Yann Sommer made a brilliant save to deny Declan Rice, preventing England from taking the lead. Harry Kane then suffered a nasty fall into the England dugout, forcing him off injured.
Switzerland came closest to scoring in the second half of extra time. Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner struck the woodwork, and Jordan Pickford had to parry a powerful strike from Zeki Amdouni.
As the game moved to penalties, England’s history of shootout woes loomed large. However, the team performed flawlessly from the spot. Saka, redeeming his miss from three years ago, was among those who converted their penalties. England’s perfect execution banished their shootout demons and propelled them into the last four.
