England reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after defeating Switzerland 5-3 on penalties in the first of the two quarter-final fixtures of Saturday.
The contest finished 1-1 in 120 minutes as Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka cancelled out Breel Embolo’s effort for the Swiss.
The Three Lions were slightly the better side of the first half, taking five shots without hitting the target. However, Murat Yakin’s side improved in the second period, taking the lead in the 75th-minute through Embolo who slotted home from close range.
England manager Gareth Southgate reacted by making three substitutions in search of the equalizer, bringing on Luke Shaw, Eberechi Eze, and Cole Palmer for Kobbie Mainoo, Kieran Trippier, and Ezri Konsa respectively.
The 2020 Euro losing finalists reorganized and pushed for the leveler which arrived in the 80th with Saka firing home with a trademark effort from outside the box on the right.
The game went into extra time and penalties as England won 5-3 with the Three Lions converting all of their five kicks while Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji saw his penalty saved by Jordan Pickford.
Semi-finalists England will now face the winner of the Netherlands vs Turkey quarter-final clash to be played later this evening.
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