England v Switzerland - live reaction: Alexander-Arnold settles penalty shootout as Three Lions reach Euro 2024 semi-finals
The Three Lions fell behind after Breel Embolo’s strike before Bukayo Saka’s equaliser in Dusseldorf
England were taken to extra-time in their Euro 2024 quarter-final against 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 gripping tie as both sides pushed for a winner before settling for extra-time.
The equaliser arrived after Gareth Southgate made three changes, sending on Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and Luke Shaw.
Xherdan Shaqiri hit the woodwork from a corner in extra-time with a stunning effort that left Jordan Pickford scrambling across his goal.
Follow all the latest updates from England v Switzerland in our live blog below:
England 0-0 Switzerland
Our chief football writer Miguel Delaney has his say on those late England changes:
The changes were belated, and probably should have come before the Swiss goal, but they are having effect. England immediately look more balanced. There is also a greater intensity, but that might be down to the state of the game and the impact of Saka's goal. It was individual inspiration, really, but may have collective product.
ET England 1-1 Switzerland
Switzerland kick off extra-time with the match all square. The feeling is that another goal will win this match one way or the other. England have a lot of attackers on the pitch with Saka and Eze in the wingback roles.
Can they make use of them?
Extra-time! England 1-1 Switzerland
Full-time! England 1-1 Switzerland
90+3 mins: Chance! Switzerland should win it. Fabian Schar hangs a cross into the middle of the box. It’s too high for Breel Embolo but comes to Dan Ndoye who makes a complete hash of the opportunity and can’t direct the ball at goal.
The whistle goes and this match is heading to extra-time.
England 1-1 Switzerland
90 mins: Palmer is fouled by Schar over on the left wing and wins a free kick in a dangerous area. Phil Foden has it at his feet. He whips it into the area and Yann Sommer punches it away.
Three minutes added on.
England 1-1 Switzerland
88 mins: There’s a nervous energy settling on the game. One error or piece of brilliance could be the defining factor in this quarter-final.
England move the ball nicely around the Swiss box before Saka’s cross is too heavy and goes out for a throw in.
England 1-1 Switzerland
86 mins: Luke Shaw leaps to defend a Swiss cross and manages to get the ball to Cole Palmer. He looks to counter but gets dragged back by Silvan Widmer who takes a yellow card.
England 1-1 Switzerland
83 mins: England should be buoyed now. The momentum and mood is swinging again. Rice sends it back out to Saka who comes inside again but flicks a cross to Kane this time.
Kane chests it down then shoots on the turn but his shot is blocked.
GOAL! England 1-1 Switzerland (Saka, 80’)⚽️
80 mins: Equaliser!
Bukayo Saka, England’s best player today, receives the ball on the right wing. He comes forward, cuts inside and drills a fine effort at the goal.
The ball hits the inside of the far post and finishes in the back of the net. Great goal!
England 0-1 Switzerland
79 mins: England are in the last chance saloon once again. The substitutions must bring more intensity and spark to the Three Lions who only have 10 minutes or so to salvage their campaign - again.
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