Football News Update: England Clinch Semi-Final Spot at Euro 2024 After Penalty Shootout Win Over Switzerland
In a thrilling encounter, England secured their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after prevailing in a penalty shootout against Switzerland. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville praised the “tournament know-how” of Gareth Southgate’s side, but warned that they will need to raise their performance level when they face the Netherlands in the final four on Wednesday.
England Switch to Back Three
England switched to a back three against the Swiss, and required a moment of magic from Bukayo Saka to equalize after falling behind. The match went to penalties, where Jordan Pickford’s heroics in goal helped the Three Lions secure a perfect record from the spot.
Neville highlighted England’s improved balance and fluidity when playing with a three-man defense, but acknowledged that the team’s overall display was still not at their absolute best. However, the former Manchester United defender pointed to Southgate’s impressive record at major tournaments, including a semi-final appearance at the 2018 World Cup, a final at Euro 2020, and a quarter-final at the 2022 World Cup.
“This team has tournament know-how, they get to semi-finals,” Neville said. “There’s fortune along the way with the draw, but we haven’t played at our best. It’s a good sign for a team, you have to get through difficult matches – but you can’t normally rely on that all the time.”
Penalty Shootout Success
The Sky Sports pundit also praised England’s penalty shootout success, highlighting the team’s clear plan and the experience of the players taking the spot-kicks. Neville believes that the mentality and preparation of the players have been crucial factors in their improved penalty-taking ability.
Facing the Netherlands in the Semi-Final
As the attention now turns to the semi-final clash with the Netherlands, Neville warned that England will need to raise their game significantly to progress to the final of Euro 2024.
“We’ll have to step up quite a bit because they have some serious players,” he said.
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