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England again made life hard for themselves, but reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024 following a penalty shootout victory.
The Three Lions, just like against Slovakia, found themselves going behind through Breel Embolo’s 75th minute goal.
Their lead only lasted five minutes however as Bukayo Saka’s brilliant strike took the game to extra-time.
Here, Mail Sport’s CRAIG HOPE runs the rule over the England players…
Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the fifth penalty to send England through to the semi-finals
England showed a lot of character after falling behind against Switzerland on Saturday
ENGLAND (3-4-2-1)
Jordan Pickford 7.5
Set England on their way to shootout victory with huge first save and that was decisive. Avoided embarrassment of conceding straight from corner late in extra-time, but that doesn’t matter now. Strong stop in 119th minute, too.
Kyle Walker 5.5
Better than his last outing versus Slovakia, but he was slow in reacting to deflected cross for Swiss goal, and his starting position was poor. Also, where has his attacking threat gone? Yes, he was part of back three, but doesn’t seem to have same energy.
John Stones 6
Was not convincing in making interception leading to Embolo goal and he was at the centre of a backline that became ragged in extra-time. Still, he made a couple of important interventions when needed.
Jordan Pickford made the decisive save in the penalty shootout from Manuel Akanji
Ezri Konsa 7
He won a big header in the goalmouth early on and then blocked an Embolo shot headed for goal. He was coming out on top in his physical battle with the striker but then failed to stop the cross leading to his goal. Still, this was a solid showing. Enough to keep place.
Kieran Trippier 5.5
Was not helped by playing 15 yards further forward on the left – that left him exposed in behind and the Swiss nearly profited early on. He would be so much better on the right. Settled, and was steady enough, but the team remains imbalanced.
Kieran Trippier was left exposed by his new role playing 15 yards further forward on the left
Declan Rice 6.5
A good shot that was saved and supplied the pass for Saka goal, but he continues to operate below his very best. Still, he made important interceptions and tackles as the midfield lost shape and cohesion after half-time and into extra-time.
Kobbie Mainoo 7
Much like last time, he was brighter and braver in possession than some senior team-mates. At least, that was, for 45 minutes. He faded after half-time and the suspicion remains that he plays in bursts rather consistently over a full game.
Bukayo Saka 8.5
It was his turn to be the hero and rescue his team from a dire situation. But even without his goal, Saka was England’s chief attacking outlet. He had four successful dribbles by half-time and showed an intent absent in others. Huge nerve to take penalty after Euro 2020 final. MOM.
Jude Bellingham 6
Did not seem happy when his number came up on 78 minutes – it was a mistake on the part of officials – but he hadn’t done a great deal to justify staying on. Tried to make things happen but nothing came off.
Jude Bellingham tried to make things happen for England but nothing paid off for him
Bukayo Saka was England’s star performer, scoring the goal to level the game for his side
Phil Foden 5
Was better suited to inside-right role and saw more of the ball, but what did he do with it? Nowhere near as incisive as he is for City. Started well then disappeared and his poor tournament continues.
Harry Kane 4
Where was he? Every time a ball entered the goalmouth he was outside the area. They looked like poor deliveries, but the likes of Saka should have asked questions of the captain. He should have been taken off after an hour. Another slow and weary display.
Phil Foden was moved to a better suited role but was still nowhere near as incisive as he is for City
Harry Kane was quiet during the game and was taken off before the game went to penalties
Substitutes
Cole Palmer (on for Mainoo 78) 7
Immediately injects personality and purpose. Why did we have to wait until the 78th minute to see him, though?
Eberechi Eze (on for Konsa 78) 6
A couple of promising moments when he sought to carry the team upfield, but surely Gordon would offer more?
Cole Palmer impressed when he came on but again he was introduced too late in the game
Luke Shaw (on for Trippier 78) 6
Looked assured enough and will benefit from first minutes since February.
Ivan Toney (on for Kane 110) N/A
Has us worried with stop-start approach for his penalty – but he always scores, doesn’t he?
Trent Alexander-Arnold (on for Foden 115) N/A
Came on to take penalty and smashed home a belter for winner. Well played.
Manager – Gareth Southgate 5
As his side clearly wilted after half-time and the Swiss took control, the manager did nothing – again! England should be so much better than they are and Southgate’s poor tournament continues. They got lucky after Saka bailed them out.
Gareth Southgate waited until Switzerland went ahead to make some substitutions
Referee – D Orsato (ITA) 7
His booking of Kane felt harsh but, that apart, this was a composed and controversy-free outing for the whistler.
Switzerland (3-4-3): Sommer 6.5; Schar 7, Akanji 7, Rodriguez 6.5; Rieder 5.5 (Zuber 64, 6), Xhaka 7.5, Freuler 6, Aebischer 6; Ndoye 5.5 (Zakaria 98), Embolo 6.5 (Shaqiri 109, 6.5) Vargas 5 (Widmer 64, 6)
