Manager Gareth Southgate has hailed England’s performance against Switzerland as their best at Euro 2024, Soccernet.football reports.
England defeated Serbia and drew with Denmark and Slovenia to top Group C before scraping past Slovakia in the Round of 16, still the Three Lions remained under scrutiny for their unspectacular displays.
However, Southgate’s men looked up for it against a brave Swiss side that took the lead through Breel Embolo before Bukayo Saka equalised to drag the tie into extra time and eventually penalty shootout.
Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all converted for a perfect England shootout as the Three Lions booked their spot in the semifinal of Euro 2024.
A delighted Southgate was pleased with the performance of his charges while reserving special praise Saka.
“The players were brilliant, we caused them [Switzerland] a lot of problems they are a really good side, they are hard to press,” Southgate told BBC as per AlJazeera.
“To come from behind and show the resilience we did… winning tournaments is not just about playing well but winning.
“He (Saka) is one of our best and there was never any question that he would take one – we all know what he went through,” he said about the Arsenal player, who was one of the three players who missed their spot kicks in England’s penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
“We played well today and we had to be tactically spot on – I don’t know what people think we are, but we are into the semifinals.
“We knew we needed to get pressure on their back three and that was not easy without changing our shape.
“I thought that was the best we played.”
England have now recorded consecutive victories after falling behind against Slovakia and Switzerland.
And for Jude Bellingham, the Three Lions can make these special moments count by going all the way to win the Championship.
“These moments are only special if we go on and win the game,” Bellingham said. “To go 1-0 down and come back – it’s only worth it if we back it up and win the tournament.”
After netting the winner against Slovakia in the Round of 16, Harry Kane was pleased to see Saka come to England’s rescue against the Swiss.
The Bayern Munich forward was not among England’s penalty takers during the shootout as he had been substituted after suffering from cramps.
But Kane insists he had confident in whoever stepped forward to take the kicks for England on the night.
“Another tough game. To go behind with 15 min to go and get the goal like we did. It was a fantastic goal,” Kane said.
“Then penalties are what they are. I wasn’t involved in 5 out of 5… We trust in whoever is on the pitch.
“We know he [Saka] has been keen to help the team, To step up and score – I’m really proud of him.”
England will face the winner of Netherlands vs Turkey in the semifinals.