Jordan Pickford's water bottle provided all the answers as his Manuel Akanji prediction helped England beat Switzerland on penalties.
The Everton goalkeeper saved the only spot kick of the shootout as the Three Lions were faultless from 12 yards. Trent Alexander-Arnold ultimately scored the winner but Switzerland missed their first penalty as the Manchester City centre-half saw his effort saved.
Akanji's penalty was by no means near the corner or struck with much venom, but Pickford went the right way as was his plan. The Englishman did his research and had instructions on every possible penalty taker and said to "dive left" when he faced Akanji - which was the right call.
A photo of his water bottle had instructions on what to do for every Swiss penalty taker, even providing small details such as whether the player would stutter during his run up. It is the second major tournament shootout that England have won thanks to Pickford's heroics.
The other came back in 2018 as England beat Colombia in the last 16 en route to the last four of the World Cup. England now find themselves in another semi-final as they await the winner of the Netherlands clash with Turkey.
The Three Lions needed a Bukayo Saka strike to equalise after Breel Embolo had put the Swiss ahead with 15 minutes remaining. Extra-time remained goalless leaving penalties to decide the last eight clash in Dusseldorf. Alexander-Arnold scored the decisive fifth penalty after Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka and Ivan Toney had all scored emphatically, putting to bed any fears that existed following England's penalty heartache in the past.
The Liverpool right-back said: "It is what we have practiced. When the gaffer said I was taking one, I enjoy it and I practice it - I knew I had to just execute it. All five penalties from us were great."
Skipper Harry Kane, usually the team's penalty taker, was brought off in extra-time but insisted he had total faith in those who stepped up.
"Another tough game and first of all great resilience from the lads to turn it up again. To get the goal, a fantastic finish from Bukayo Saka. Penalties are penalties, but I felt prepared - I was on the side, but I felt comfortable in the lads. Five out of five and a save from Picks [ Jordan Pickford ]!
"We trust in whoever is on the pitch and the difference this year compared to past years is we have proven penalty takers – we have a lot more experience and we showed it out there."
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