Euro 2024 - live: England news and analysis with Gareth Southgate’s side into semi-finals after penalty drama
The Three Lions are through to the last four in Germany and a tie against Netherlands awaits
Euro 2024 is entering its final week and only four nations remain involved - with England still one of them following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Switzerland in Dusseldorf. Gareth Southgate had to turn to his substitutes and squad players to get them a late equaliser and subsequent win from 12 yards, with Trent Alexander-Arnold drilling in the decisive effort.
Now they’ll face Netherlands in the last four after their comeback win over Turkey - while Spain and France will meet in the other semi-final.
Gareth Southgate spoke after the game about his pride in the squad overcoming challenges and pointed out this side has overcome the demons of previous tournaments when it comes to penalties: “We’ve been in four and we won three. We got crucified for the one we lost but it’s outcome based,” he said after knocking out the Swiss. “We have more regular penaly takers now than then [against Italy] and more who have been in shootouts. We have a calm process but the players still have to deal with it the way they did.”
Now it’s all about recovery ahead of Wednesday’s meeting in Dortmund, and honing the tactics to help them reach a second men’s European Championship final in three years. Follow all the latest news and England analysis and reaction below:
Euro 2024 live - England news and analysis
After 438 minutes of England’s Euro 2024 campaign, the only specialist left-back in the squad finally made his entrance. Gareth Southgate introduced Luke Shaw as part of a triple substitution as the Three Lions chased the game in the quarter-final against Switzerland; soon afterwards the tie was levelled, penalties ensued and those in white jerseys were left celebrating after a perfect five from five.
Progress was, of course, the singular objective of the night in Dusseldorf; England continue their adventure in Germany and - as the manager was at pains to point out afterwards - are now in their third major men’s international tournament semi-final in the space of four attempts.
But as attention immediately turns to an upcoming semi-final against Netherlands, Southgate may feel his triple change gave him more than merely a way back into that game in isolation. England, after all, looked far more balanced following those alterations and naturally had more energy with fresh legs - not to mention the need to score or face an exit in defeat.
In turn, that may give Southgate pause for thought when considering his line-up to face the Dutch, both in personnel and tactical terms - and it is Shaw who is central to much of this.
For Premium subscribers:
England have a Luke Shaw decision to make. It could determine their Euros fate
The left-back missed the Three Lions’ first four matches at Euro 2024 – but his return to fitness gives Gareth Southgate both a tactical option and a team selection dilemma, writes Karl Matchett in Germany
Euro 2024 live - England analysis latest news updates
Netherlands’ star players believe there’s more to come from them after reaching the semi-final at Euro 2024.
“We had to go very deep,” said captain Virgil van Dijk.
“When you see how everyone reacted, to make a save, block or tackle ... we all did it together. We all want to make our dream come true and we are one step closer. I am proud of these guys.”
“There is great belief in being able to do something special at this European Championship,” said defender Micky van de Ven.
“We have shown resilience and are mentally strong. It will be important that we give everything in the next two games. Then we will hopefully go home with that cup.”
“I think we have shown what we have to offer. I certainly believe that we can do something special at this European Championship,” added midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.
Substitute striker Wout Weghorst agreed. “We are close. This is a unique opportunity. We are going for it.”
Euro 2024 live - England analysis latest news updates
The Netherlands feel they have an unexpected opportunity to achieve something special at the European Championship after a gritty comeback to beat Turkey on Saturday and advance to the semi-final.
Their 2-1 victory in a tension-filled quarter-final in Berlin has set up a last-four meeting with England in Dortmund on Wednesday and a chance to move closer to reprise their only major tournament success, at the last Euros that Germany hosted in 1988.
“We are going to play two more games, if all goes well,” coach Ronald Koeman - who played in the 1988 winning side - said after his men put together a determined showing to overcome a halftime deficit against Turkey.
“Nobody expected this. But our mission is not over yet. If you play a semi-final, you also want to reach the final.”
Koeman looked to get ahead of himself, however, when asked which country he would like to face in Sunday’s final. “I prefer to play against Spain because we have already played against France in the group stage,” the coach said.
Then he checked himself: “We have to beat England first.”
Koeman will know better than most what it takes to win the tournament, having been part of the side that won it 36 years ago by beating the Soviet Union in the final in Munich.
But this time his side have not had a convincing road to the semi, with the Dutch only advancing to the knockout stage of the tournament as one of the four lucky losers, the teams finishing third in their group.
A 3-2 loss to Austria in their final Group D fixture looked to galvanise the group and they rebounded with an impressive 3-0 win over Romania in the round of 16 before Saturday’s success over Turkey.
“As the Netherlands, we must be proud of our team. We have sometimes been criticised that other countries play more with their heart, but we have really shown a lion’s heart,” he insisted.
Euro 2024 live - England analysis and latest news updates
Turkey exit Euro 2024 after earning respect and optimism
Turkey narrowly missed matching their best ever European Championship finish in Germany, but the team that arrived with little reason for optimism left with something that cannot be read in statistics: respect.
Vincenzo Montella’s men bowed out in Saturday’s 2-1 quarter-final loss to the Netherlands after a late own goal, capping a string of high-octane performances that had made the Turks must-watch football as one of the tournament’s most entertaining teams.
“I look at the future with much more confidence and clarity,” Montella said. “My opinion after this European Championship is that Turkey will be seen with different eyes in the future, probably with more respect.”
Roared on by one of the largest and loudest fan bases, Turkey provided plenty of thrills, which Montella chalked up to more than simply tactics and game plans. Turkey’s rip-roaring run, he said, came because of his team’s spirit.
“Everyone gave a bit extra in terms of their soul,” Montella said after Turkey upended Austria in the last 16, firmly wresting the dark horse tag from the Austrians. “You can only win matches such as these if there is a soul within the squad.”
There was little reason for Turkey to be optimistic before the tournament kicked off. The Euro 2008 semi-finalists had failed to advance beyond the group stage of their previous two tournaments, and have not qualified for a World Cup since they finished third in 2002.
They played without suspended captain Hakan Calhanoglu against Austria, and missing Merih Demiral in the quarter-finals. Calhanoglu was a puddle of tears after Saturday’s loss.
“I’m proud of my team,” the Inter Milan midfielder said. “They played with great spirit, the Turkish spirit. We felt the love in spite of our defeat. The Turkish people loved us.”
Germany is home to some 3 million Turks or people with Turkish roots, making them the country’s largest ethnic minority, and their Euro matches felt like home games.
The tournament also introduced 19-year-old Arda Guler to the world. The Real Madrid attacking midfielder nicknamed the “Turkish Messi” made an unforgettable Euro debut when he launched a left-footed rocket from distance into the net in their opener against Georgia.
At 19 years and 114 days, he broke Cristiano Ronald’s record for youngest player to score on debut at the tournament. But more than that, Guler orchestrated Turkey’s midfield with a poise and maturity that belied his age.
Both of Demiral’s goals against Austria came from Guler corner kicks. It was fitting that Samet Akaydin’s header against the Dutch came from a smooth Guler cross.
“He played a great Euros,” Montella said. “He hasn’t played regularly at this level. He was born in 2005 - he’s not 20 yet. This experience will make him a far better player.”
Guler will still only be 27 when Turkey and Italy co-host the 2032 edition of the tournament.
Euro 2024 live - England news and analysis
Switzerland hailed as heroes after Euro 2024 exit
For a country that has become a permanent fixture in football’s major tournaments, Switzerland leave Euro 2024 anguished over what could have been, but with a new air of confidence over what the future holds.
While some top teams erred or muddled through the tournament, the underrated Swiss were among a handful of sides truly at their best in Euro 2024, exiting on penalties to an England team they could have beaten, and were once again denied their historic semi-final place.
In a unjust twist of fate, it was ever-dependable stalwart Manuel Akanji whose shootout miss cost the Swiss, but there was no blame on the Manchester City centre-back, whose leadership, composure and calming influence was pivotal in their march to their second-successive quarter-finals.
Switzerland came into Euro 2024 with considerable uncertainty, having scraped through from the easiest of groups after a haphazard qualifying campaign blighted by squandered points from goals leaked late in games to weak opponents.
Coach Murat Yakin bore the brunt of the fury, with angst among fans that he was kept on in the job after a dismal run.
But the decision to stick with him paid dividends, with Yakin praised for his astute tactics, inspired substitutions and for instilling confidence in his players to go toe-to-toe with big names and rattle some of the tournament’s top teams.
Facing a hostile home crowd in Frankfurt, they took an early lead against hosts Germany and held them off until the last seconds of the game to deny them a perfect group-stage record.
Switzerland then outclassed and outplayed a woeful Italy in the round of 16 with an early attacking onslaught and goals either side of halftime that left the holders stunned and incapable of a response.
Captain Granit Xhaka proved his worth and was as instrumental for the Swiss as he was in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph, winning player of the match twice, masking an injury with polished performances as a playmaker central to every Swiss attack.
Striker Breel Embolo returned from a long injury absence to deliver two important late goals, while Yakin’s surprise gamble on unheralded forward Dan N’Doye paid off, with the pacy newcomer bursting with energy and a menace in every game.
Switzerland scored eight goals in all, from seven different players, underlining their credentials as a tight-knit team much greater than the sum of its parts.
“Giant but defeated, Switzerland leaves the Euros”, said the French-language Tribune de Geneve, while an analysis in the Corriere del Ticino said “Close, once again: and yet we cry again”.
The Neue Zurcher Zeitung headlined with: “Switzerland misses its goal at the European Championships - but it’s a joy”.
The Swiss team won the hearts of the public back home and coach Yakin expressed deep pride over the performances and mindset of a gritty team he said played as a collective and has much to look forward to.
“The market value of our team in comparison to the others is massive,” Yakin said. “Eventually, we are eliminated, and it hurts.”
“We can be very proud about our tournament... from the first minute to the end, how we stood as one and the joy we gave to the nation.”
Euro 2024 live - England news and analysis
Jude Bellingham was able to banish “awful memories” of watching previous England penalties as he scored in the shoot-out against Switzerland to help seal a Euro 2024 semi-final spot.
After Bukayo Saka’s fine effort cancelled out Breel Embolo’s opener in Dusseldorf, the two sides could not be separated with the game ending 1-1 after extra time.
England were then perfect in the ensuing shoot-out, scoring all five of their opening penalties for the first time in a major tournament thanks to Cole Palmer, Bellingham, Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
It was a far cry from the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy, where England missed three of their spot-kicks but, while plenty of previous tournaments have also ended in penalty heartache, Gareth Southgate has now overseen three wins in four shoot-outs as manager.
Bellingham revels in banishing ‘awful memories’ of England penalty shootouts
The Three Lions triumphed with five perfect penalties from 12 yards to beat Switzerland
Euro 2024 live - England news and analysis
Jadon Sancho has praised Bukayo Saka for his redemptive penalty for England football team at the European Championship that went some way to banishing the memories of their high-profile shootout misses at the previous tournament in 2021.
Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Saka either missed or had their spot kicks saved in the shootout won by Italy at the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium. They are all Black players and they received vicious racist abuse on social media afterward.
Saka was one of the five England players to score in the shootout win over Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals on Saturday and Sancho sent a heartwarming message to his friend.
‘You did it for me and Marcus’: Sancho delights in Saka penalty redemption
The duo - along with Marcus Rashford - missed spot-kicks in the Euro 2020 final
Euro 2024 live - England news and analysis
BBC Sport coverage of England at Euro 2024 drew in more than three quarters of the nation’s TV viewers as the Three Lions took on Switzerland in their quarter final match last night. England’s reward for their dramatic penalty shootout win is a place in the last four with the semi-final against Netherlands on Wednesday against.
BBC Sport brought the nation together in huge numbers across BBC TV and iPlayer with a peak audience of 16.8 million people watching coverage live on BBC One.
The match was also streamed 8.9 million times across BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app and there was an average match audience of 13.6 million, resulting in a 77% share. The expectation and build up to the game pulled in a huge audience on the BBC Sport website with 10.5 million visitors throughout the day, and 5.3 million following the match online with the page being viewed 16.6 million times during the nail-biting game.
Euro 2024 live - England news and analysis
That win over Switzerland on penalties was Gareth Southgate’s 100th match in charge of England - if he’s celebrating after No.102 in a week’s time, the whole nation will be having a party.
He has won 60 of his games in charge, with 24 draws and only 16 defeats.
In major tournaments he has taken England to the semi-finals of World Cup 2018, the final of Euro 2020, the quarter-finals of World Cup 2022 and now the semis again at Euro 2024...so far.
England’s run at the Euros this summer:
1-0 vs Serbia
1-1 vs Denmark
0-0 vs Slovenia
2-1 vs Slovakia, AET
1-1 vs Switzerland, 5-4 on pens
Euro 2024 live - England news and analysis
England beat Switzerland on penalties in the third quarter-final at Euro 2024, in a nail-biting encounter in Dusseldorf.
The first half showed flashes of improvement from a slightly altered Three Lions line-up, and Gareth Southgate’s side dominated, but they were too often pedestrian as Switzerland looked comfortable in defence.
The second half started in the same way, but the Swiss turned the tables with a spell of dominance that later provoked a surprise goal, with Breel Embolo giving them the lead on the 75th minute.
England looked wary and worried, and the subs came on, but Bukayo Saka rifled in an effort from outside the box to take it to extra time.
That was an equally torrid affair for the England faithful, with Switzerland looking the more likely to get the winner, but the 30 minutes passed and England were heading to penalties once again.
A realm that’s carried plenty of heartbreak for england, but not this time; all five England players scored their efforts, so all it needed was a save from Jordan Pickford to send the Three Lions into the semi-finals.
But how did each player perform? Here are The Independent’s player ratings:
England v Switzerland player ratings as Bukayo Saka shines in quarter-final
England 1-1 Switzerland (5-3 on pens): The Three Lions squeeze through to the semi-finals after a nervy encounter in Dusseldorf
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