England are through to yet another major tournament semi-final, but they were made to sweat for it. Gareth Southgate’s side edged past a resilient Switzerland after a tense 1–1 draw, winning 5–3 on penalties to book their spot in the Euro 2024 final four.

It was a night of redemption, resilience, and raw nerve. After falling behind to Breel Embolo’s late goal, England rallied through Bukayo Saka’s brilliant equaliser before holding their nerve from the spot, with Trent Alexander-Arnold blasting home the decisive penalty.

Match Recap

The first half was a cagey, tactical battle. Switzerland’s shap, a disciplined 3-5-2, frustrated England’s rhythm, while Bellingham and Foden struggled to find pockets of space. Chances were few: Kobel and Pickford were largely untested.

After the break, the game finally opened up. Switzerland grew bolder, and their patience paid off in the 75th minute when Dan Ndoye’s low cross deflected into Breel Embolo’s path, who tapped home from close range.

England’s response was immediate, and emphatic. Just five minutes later, Bukayo Saka cut inside from the right and curled a stunning left-footed shot off the post and in, levelling the score at 1–1. It was a moment of brilliance and personal redemption for the Arsenal star.

Extra time saw few clear chances, Xherdan Shaqiri hit the bar directly from a corner, while Declan Rice’s deflected effort forced Kobel into action, but both sides seemed destined for penalties.

In the shootout, Jordan Pickford gave England the edge by saving Manuel Akanji’s first kick. Then, with ice in their veins, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold all converted to send England through 5–3.

Key Talking Points

1. Bukayo Saka’s redemption
Three years after his heartbreaking miss in the Euro 2020 final, Saka was England’s hero, scoring a superb equaliser and calmly slotting home his penalty. A mature, confident performance that silenced any lingering doubts.

2. Southgate’s tactical patience
Southgate’s decision to stick with a back three paid off defensively, even if it came at the cost of attacking fluency early on. His substitutions, especially Toney and Alexander-Arnold, proved crucial as England grew into the game.

3. Pickford delivers again
The Everton goalkeeper now has a reputation as one of international football’s best in shootouts. His early save set the tone, and his presence alone seemed to rattle the Swiss takers.

4. Switzerland’s heartbreak
Murat Yakin’s side were superb for long stretches, disciplined, composed, and confident. They’ve beaten big nations before, and they pushed England all the way. But once Akanji’s miss came, the momentum shifted irrevocably.

Semi-Final Preview

England will now face the Netherlands in the semi-final. The Dutch have found their stride late in the tournament, powered by the creativity of Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay, and the defensive leadership of Virgil van Dijk.

For England, improvement in midfield fluidity and attacking tempo will be key. They can’t afford another slow start, but with confidence high and momentum behind them, this team feels increasingly battle-hardened.

A third semi-final in four tournaments under Southgate is no coincidence. England aren’t always pretty, but they’re proving they know how to survive.