England are two games away from European glory after beating Switzerland on penalties to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
A change in system failed to produced the desired results in Dusseldorf as England once again underwhelmed, barely creating a chance until Bukayo Saka equalised 10 minutes from time shortly after Breel Embolo gave Switzerland a late lead.
Both teams looked fatigued and out of ideas in extra-time but England kept their nerve superbly during the penalty shootout, scoring all five efforts to reach the semi-finals.
England beat Switzerland to reach Euro 2024 semi-finals – as it happened
Jordan Pickford – 8
Had little to do for most of the game and could do nothing about Breel Embolo’s tap-in at the back post. Made a routine but crucial save in the shootout.
Kyle Walker – 5
Another uncharacteristically sloppy performance that lacked the intensity he provides for Manchester City. Lost his man at the back-post for what felt like would be Switzerland’s winner, too.
John Stones – 6
Was defensively sound enough but may feel he could have done more to cut out the cross from which Switzerland scored in the 75th minute.
Ezri Konsa – 8
Came in for the suspended Marc Guehi, making his first competitive start for England, and looked right at home. Made several crucial blocks and was a real presence at set-pieces. Was only subbed off as England had to make changes after going behind.
Kieran Trippier – 5
Maybe a slight improvement on his performances so far but certainly nothing special, the left-hand side of England’s team still problematic and far from fluid.
Bukayo Saka – 9
Cut inside and rifled home England’s equaliser out of nowhere. Was also the main threat in the first half, providing a perfect response to those calling for him to be dropped. Was a menace down the right and twice delivered inviting crosses which on another day would have been prodded home. Tucked home his penalty after missing from the spot in the Euro 2020 final shootout.
Declan Rice – 6
Looked a little exposed in midfield but showed a bit of quality at both ends of the pitch. Still didn’t produce the kind of performance he did so often for title-chasing Arsenal last season.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
A joy to watch at times. Linked up well with England’s attacking players and dribbled through Switzerland’s midfield in the first half. England great Frank Lampard, who knows a thing or two about the position, said he was ‘fantastic’ at half-time. Drifted a little but remember he’s still only 19.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Yelled ‘who else’ after scoring his stunning overhead kick against Slovakia but the anonymous nature of much of his Euros performances returned after a briefly encouraging first-half display. Produced the odd moment of quality, including in the shootout.
Phil Foden – 4
Afforded more freedom than in recent games but still proved largely ineffective against the stubborn Swiss. A couple of openings excited England fans but Foden was generally underwhelming and made way in extra time.
Harry Kane – 3
Once again struggled to get into the game, touching the ball just nine times in the first half, comfortably the least of any player on the pitch. Looked off the pace, almost half-fit, as had been suggested by pundits during the group stage.
Subs:
Cole Palmer – 8
Impressed after his late substitution without making a game-changing contribution. Kicked off the shootout with a calm and cool effort.
Eberechi Eze – 6
Burst forward a few times, allowing England to get up the pitch. Did a job at left-wing back in extra time.
Luke Shaw – 7
How different the tournament could have been had the Manchester United defender been fit. Didn’t steal the show after his late introduction but did enough to show how big a miss he has been and make a case to start in the semis.
Ivan Toney – 8
Replaced Harry Kane with ten minutes remaining. Didn’t do much but made no mistake from the spot with a clinical penalty.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8
Was brought on specifically for penalties and justified his manager’s faith, converting the spot-kick that sent England through.
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