S Poddar
In a match filled with tension and unpredictability, England managed to secure a place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Switzerland. Throughout the game, England’s performance was erratic, marked by struggles in the final third, chaotic defending during extra time, and a lack of decisive action from the sidelines. However, it was Bukayo Saka’s moment of brilliance that kept Gareth Southgate’s team in the tournament.
Switzerland appeared dominant after Breel Embolo scored in the 75th minute, putting England on the brink of elimination. Southgate’s strategies seemed ineffective, with Harry Kane struggling and the team lacking coherence. The introduction of Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Luke Shaw in the final 12 minutes signaled a reactive approach from Southgate.
Despite the odds, England managed to push the game into extra time thanks to Saka’s equalizer with their first shot on target. Shaw’s defiant play on his return and Eze’s impressive performance out of position helped England hold on. Near the end, Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner hit the post and bar, and Jordan Pickford made a crucial save from Zeki Amdouni.
England’s unpredictable journey in the Euros continued, with key players like Kieran Trippier and Phil Foden struggling to replicate their club form. However, Southgate’s meticulous approach to penalty shootouts proved vital. Switzerland, with a poor record in shootouts, faltered as Manuel Akanji’s crucial kick was saved by Pickford. Southgate’s management skills, especially his faith in his players, shone through as Saka redeemed himself after his miss in the Euro 2020 final.
The match against the Netherlands on Wednesday will require a better performance from England. Despite their escape against Slovakia and an uneasy start against Switzerland, Southgate’s tactical adjustments, such as Foden’s inside-right role and the compact 3-4-2-1 formation, aimed to stifle Switzerland.
Defensively, England had shaky moments. Ezri Konsa, playing in place of the suspended Marc Guéhi, made some crucial blocks, and John Stones stopped a threatening run from Granit Xhaka. Kobbie Mainoo, a bright spot, consistently sought the ball, while Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham became more influential as the game progressed.
England’s struggles in the final third were evident, with a lack of conviction in their final passes. The first half ended without either goalkeeper making a save, indicating Southgate’s tactics were neutralizing both teams’ attacking threats. Switzerland, however, gained momentum in the second half, with Embolo and Ndoye posing significant threats.
Switzerland eventually broke through, with Embolo scoring after a defensive lapse. Southgate responded by bringing on Palmer, Eze, and Shaw, which immediately paid off as Saka equalized with a stunning left-footed shot.
The match headed into extra time, where both teams had chances but failed to score. England appeared to welcome the prospect of penalties. Palmer scored the first penalty, and Pickford’s save from Akanji shifted the momentum. Bellingham, Saka, and Ivan Toney converted their penalties with ease, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decisive kick sealed the 5-3 victory.
As “Sweet Caroline” played in the background, Southgate embraced his staff, reflecting on another improbable escape. England’s resilience and Southgate’s faith in his players have brought them to the brink of another final, but they will need to improve against the formidable Netherlands.
