England v Switzerland LIVE: Result and reaction, Alexander-Arnold settles penalty shootout as Three Lions reach Euro 2024 semi-finals
The Three Lions progressed on penalties despite falling behind after Breel Embolo’s strike with Bukayo Saka’s equaliser forcing extra-time and spot kicks in Dusseldorf
England advanced to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after a gripping tie with Switzerland in Dusseldorf.
Gareth Southgate’s side squeezed past a defiant Slovakia team last week but were forced to dig deep here after Breel Embolo put the Swiss ahead.
But Bukayo Saka’s curler dragged the Three Lions level in a thrilling match as both sides pushed for a winner before settling for extra-time.
And England were perfect in the shootout as Trent Alexander-Arnold struck the decisive kick to book a semi-final next Wednesday in Dortmund.
Follow all the latest reaction from England v Switzerland in our live blog below:
England advance to the semi-finals at Euro 2024
Former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live:
“England trusted Trent Alexander-Arnold in that moment, to take the fifth penalty. He almost took all of the anger out from what he’s experienced at the tournament in that spot-kick.
“The deep breath he took between the referee blowing his whistle and taking the penalty made the whole stadium stop still, and he had that moment for him to set himself and finish.”
England advance to the semi-finals at Euro 2024
England scored all five of their penalties against Switzerland, just the second time in 10 major tournament shootouts that England have scored 100% of their penalties, also doing so at Euro 96 vs Spain (4/4).
England’s player of the match Bukayo Saka speaking to BBC One:
“I am going to put it up there, special. How we fought back and to go to penalties. Last time we took at penalty shootout at the Euros we know what happened. I believed. I felt like we dominated the whole game and the chance would come and I took it - I am proud of myself for that.
“I have faith in God. To comeback from something like that [missing a penalty in Euro 2020 final] is really difficult, today I took the chance.
“I think it shows how much we want to win this tournament. Hopefully, next game we can win in 90-minutes but if this is what it takes – we will do anything!”
Reaction from Rio Ferdinand:
“We’ve been crying out as a nation for a performance we can be proud of. Today wasn’t perfect but it was such an improvement. Then it was nerves of steel when it mattered. I had no doubt in my mind.”
‘Pressure is for tyres!’ Alan Shearer and ex-England players hail penalty heroes after Euro 2024 quarter-final victory
England’s former players hailed the courage and execution of the current generation after Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squeezed past Switzerland on penalties and into the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
The match finished 1-1 at full-time after Breel Embolo’s second-half goal was soon matched by Bukayo Saka’s trademark finish, and it stayed that way through extra time. But England put together a perfect penalty shootout, scoring all five of their kicks.
Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Ivan Toney scored before Trent Alexander-Arnold all converted the winning kick, after Jordan Pickford had saved Switzerland’s first penalty from Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji.
‘Pressure is for tyres!’ Alan Shearer and ex-England players hail penalty heroes
England’s former players hailed the courage and execution of the current generation after Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squeezed past Switzerland on penalties and into the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
England advance to the semi-finals at Euro 2024
England advance to the semi-finals at Euro 2024
England join Spain and France in the final four. They just need to know their opponents who will either be the Netherlands or Turkey.
The final quarter-final is taking place right now and you can follow it live right here:
Netherlands v Turkey LIVE: Latest score and goal updates from Euro 2024 quarter-final
Neither side has reached the semi-finals of a European Championship since 2008, when Turkey were beaten by Germany
More reaction from Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold speaking to BBC One: “Incredible, these are the goals that we set for ourselves. Difficult opponent going behind and the team showed a lot of character, belief, heart and spirit out there.
“We knew it was going to be tight. Whatever it takes and no matter what we win - that is all that matters to us.
“It is what we have practiced [penalties]. 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.”
Prince William celebrates England equaliser against Switzerland in Euro 2024 quarter-final
Prince William jumped to his feet as he celebrated England’s equaliser against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-final.
After a 0-0 first half, Switzerland grew into the game after the restart and broke the deadlock with 16 minutes to go as Breel Embolo was on hand to turn in Dan Ndoye’s low cross.
Southgate reacted immediately by bringing on Cole Palmer, Luke Shaw and Eberechi Eze but it was Bukayo Saka who quickly drew England level with a fine strike, cutting inside to fire home with England’s first shot on target.
England’s route to the final: Possible opponents in the Euro 2024 knockout stages
England left it late, but Gareth Southgate’s side are through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after a dramatic victory over Slovakia in the last-16.
Jude Bellingham saved England from an embarrassing defeat with a stunning last-minute overhead kick, before Harry Kane scored at the start of extra time to send the Three Lions through.
It was shaping up to be another nightmare evening in Gelsenkirchen but Southgate was vindicated for his lack of changes as his biggest stars finally arrived to turn defeat into victory.
What is England’s route to the final of Euro 2024?
Should England miraculously transform into a tournament threat at these Euros, their path to the final in Berlin is at least inviting
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