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Leeds United podcast: Simon Rix discusses transfer business

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  Leeds United podcast: Simon Rix discusses transfer business

England Edge Past Switzerland in Tense Penalty Shootout to Secure Euro 2024 Semi-Final Spot


In a nail-biting quarter-final clash at Euro 2024, England triumphed over Switzerland via a penalty shootout, advancing to the semi-finals after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time. The match, played in Dusseldorf, showcased England's resilience under pressure, as they overcame a resilient Swiss side that had pushed them to the brink. Bukayo Saka emerged as the hero of the hour, scoring a stunning equalizer and converting his penalty, while Jordan Pickford's save proved decisive in the shootout. This victory sets up a mouthwatering semi-final against either the Netherlands or Turkey, keeping England's dreams of lifting the trophy alive.

The build-up to the game was charged with anticipation. England, managed by Gareth Southgate, had faced criticism for lackluster performances earlier in the tournament, scraping through the group stage and needing extra time to defeat Slovakia in the last 16. Switzerland, on the other hand, arrived with confidence, having knocked out defending champions Italy in the previous round and boasting a well-organized team under Murat Yakin. The Swiss had not lost in their last nine matches, making them a formidable opponent. Southgate made a tactical tweak, switching to a back three with wing-backs, including Kieran Trippier on the left and Bukayo Saka on the right, while Harry Kane led the line upfront.

From the outset, the game was a tactical chess match. Switzerland started brightly, pressing high and disrupting England's rhythm. Granit Xhaka, the Swiss captain and Arsenal midfielder, dictated play from the midfield, spraying passes and breaking up England's attacks. England looked tentative in the opening exchanges, with possession often aimless and few clear chances created. Phil Foden, operating in a central role, struggled to find space, while Kane appeared isolated. The first real opportunity fell to Switzerland in the 15th minute when Dan Ndoye broke free on the right flank, but his cross was cleared by John Stones.

As the half progressed, England grew into the game marginally. Saka began to influence proceedings with his pace and trickery, cutting inside from the right and testing Yann Sommer with a low drive that the Swiss keeper parried away. However, it was Switzerland who looked more threatening. Breel Embolo, the Monaco forward, was a constant menace, using his physicality to hold up play and link with teammates. The breakthrough came in the 75th minute, somewhat against the run of play in the second half. A cross from the left was deflected into the path of Embolo, who bundled the ball home from close range after a scramble in the box. The goal stunned England, who had been probing but lacked cutting edge. The Swiss fans erupted, sensing a famous upset.

England's response was immediate and emphatic. Just five minutes later, Saka collected the ball on the edge of the box, shifted it onto his left foot, and unleashed a curling effort that cannoned off the post and into the net. It was a moment of individual brilliance that ignited the England supporters and leveled the score at 1-1. The equalizer shifted the momentum, and England pushed for a winner in the dying minutes of normal time. Kane had a header saved by Sommer, and Declan Rice's long-range shot whistled just wide. But neither side could find a decisive goal, leading to extra time.

Extra time was a war of attrition. Both teams appeared fatigued, with the humid conditions in Dusseldorf taking their toll. Switzerland nearly stole it early when Xherdan Shaqiri, introduced as a substitute, hit the crossbar directly from a corner kick – a moment that had hearts in mouths for England fans. Southgate made changes, bringing on Luke Shaw for his first appearance of the tournament, adding balance on the left. Trent Alexander-Arnold also entered the fray, providing creativity from the right. England dominated possession in the additional periods but struggled to break down Switzerland's compact defense. Kane, who had been subdued, was substituted after a heavy collision, with Ivan Toney coming on to offer a fresh threat.

As the match headed to penalties, the tension was palpable. England has a storied history of shootout heartbreaks, but under Southgate, they have improved their record, winning two out of three at major tournaments. The shootout began with Cole Palmer stepping up first for England, coolly slotting his effort into the bottom corner. Switzerland's Fabian Schar responded in kind. Jude Bellingham, the young Real Madrid star, made it 2-1 with a composed finish. Then came the turning point: Manuel Akanji, Switzerland's reliable defender, saw his weak penalty saved by Pickford, who dived to his left to push it away. The England goalkeeper's preparation, including notes on his water bottle, paid off spectacularly.

Saka, haunted by his miss in the Euro 2020 final, banished those demons with a confident strike to make it 3-1. Shaqiri pulled one back for Switzerland, drilling his shot into the top corner. Ivan Toney, known for his penalty prowess at Brentford, extended England's lead to 4-2 with a no-look effort that wrong-footed Sommer. Zeki Amdouni scored for Switzerland, keeping their hopes alive at 4-3. Finally, Alexander-Arnold stepped up and blasted his penalty into the top corner, sealing a 5-3 victory. The England players mobbed Pickford and Alexander-Arnold, while Southgate punched the air in relief.

Post-match, Southgate praised his team's character. "We've shown incredible resilience tonight," he said. "To come from behind against a quality side like Switzerland and win on penalties is a testament to the group's mentality. Bukayo was outstanding, and Jordan's save was massive." Saka, named man of the match, reflected on his journey: "It's special to score and help the team like that. We've got belief, and we're not done yet." On the Swiss side, Yakin expressed pride despite the defeat. "We gave everything and were so close. England are a top team, but we matched them for long periods."

This win marks England's third semi-final in four major tournaments under Southgate, a remarkable turnaround from previous eras of underachievement. However, questions remain about their attacking fluency. Throughout the match, England managed only a handful of shots on target, relying on moments of magic rather than sustained dominance. Critics point to the conservative approach, with calls for more adventure in the final third. Yet, results speak volumes – England are unbeaten in the tournament and have conceded just three goals in five games.

Looking ahead, the semi-final in Dortmund promises to be a stern test. If the Netherlands progress, England will face a familiar foe with stars like Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo. Turkey, meanwhile, have been the surprise package, blending flair with tenacity. Southgate will hope for the return of Marc Guehi from suspension to bolster the defense, while Kane's fitness will be monitored after his early exit.

For England fans, this victory is a step closer to ending 58 years of hurt since the 1966 World Cup. The team has shown grit and unity, qualities that could propel them further. As the tournament reaches its climax, the Three Lions are roaring, but they know the path to glory is fraught with challenges. Whether they can harness their potential and deliver a complete performance remains to be seen, but for now, the nation dares to dream.

The match statistics underline the closeness: England held 55% possession, with 12 shots compared to Switzerland's 10, but it was the penalties that decided it. Saka's goal was his first of the tournament, a timely boost for the Arsenal winger. Pickford's heroics add to his growing legend in an England shirt, having now saved four penalties in shootouts at major tournaments.

In the broader context of Euro 2024, this result keeps the tournament's narrative alive with underdogs falling and favorites scraping through. Switzerland's exit is a blow to the neutrals who admired their disciplined displays, but England's progression ensures the semi-finals will feature heavyweights. As the dust settles on this epic encounter, one thing is clear: football's drama is unmatched, and England's journey continues.

(Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/crkz48njg5lo ]