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 defeat Switzerland 5-3 on penalties to reach semi-finals of Euro 2024
It can’t have been easy for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
He started in the line-up for the first couple of Euro 2024 matches but was dropped as England searched for more balance. He came on very, very late in the game and was asked to score the most crucial of penalties.
Nerves of steel from the Liverpool man to send England into the final four.
Celebrations erupt as England reach Euro 2024 semi-finals
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell celebrate England Euro 2024 quarter-final win
This is the moment Lewis Hamilton and George Russell celebrated England winning their quarter-final match against Switzerland today (Saturday 6 July).
A video posted to the Mercedes Formula 1 TikTok shows the racing drivers watching the game on large screens with fans behind them.
The pair clap and smile as the crowds behind them erupt into cheers as England win in the penalty shoot-out.
They also had their own achievements to celebrate, as Russell is set to lead Sunday’s race at Silverstone after finishing first in qualifying, with Hamilton starting behind him.
Frank Lampard speaking on BBC One:
“Gareth Southgate deserves a lot of credit. There was a lot of pressure on and he has made a lot of serious calls, the in-game subs worked.”
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka reacts to England defeat:
“The initial feeling is one of sadness and disappointment, because we didn’t deserve to lose like this. On the other hand, we can be proud of ourselves.
“From the first game until today, we kept improving and we showed great character, great team spirit and we always told ourselves ‘to beat us, it will take a lot’. “
Switzerland forward, Xherdan Shaqiri:
“It was a great game from both sides. We went in front but England played better than their previous games. In the end, it’s 1-1 and it went to penalties, which are always 50/50. England showed better nerves today, and they won.”
England’s quarter-final reaction gives Gareth Southgate an exciting answer for the future
Another game for England without entertaining the masses, but another step closer to the Euro 2024 final - and perhaps another hint as to where the future lies, whether that comes during this tournament or not.
Not from another one-paced, uninventive display. Not with the supposed tactical shift either, which did little to change the speed of England’s play or the way they constantly checked inside to play safe and create too little. But if the original 90 minutes didn’t contain sufficient drama, their second late equaliser in as many matches and a subsequent penalty shootout victory perhaps offered just enough.
Instead, the big positives for England to take might be from what they didn’t do to start with: the changes made, the introductions of personnel and pace, the ability they clearly possess to alter their approach in important stages of games
England reaction gives Southgate an exciting answer for the future
A triple-change off the bench produced an injection of quality and pace - the squad is there to make the Three Lions better
England manager Gareth Southgate, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live:
“I am so proud of the players. I thought we played well. We had to defend extremely well as a team. We caused them problems with the way we used the ball. We had a big threat with Bukayo down the right for the whole game.
“We were happy with the performance and then you go behind and you have to show other characteristics. The players showed their resilience, desire and character and forced their way back into the game.
“Extra-time could have gone either way and excellent composure to score all the penalties.”
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin:
“It hurts. We put so much effort in, created so many chances. I’m sad for the lads, and for the nation. England didn’t have many chances and we created quite a few of our own. We don’t deserve to be going home but we can be really proud.
“We don’t need to hide any more. We were eliminated because it wasn’t quite enough today. A penalty shoot-out is a matter of luck and we didn’t have it. We have caused the big teams a lot of problems so we exit with our heads held high.”
England advance to the semi-finals at Euro 2024
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