There was no big show when England and Switzerland were to fight for the semi-final place. Instead, it was a match without really dangerous scoring chances where neither team stood out.
But in the 75th minute, Switzerland struck. Dan Ndoye found Breel Embolo who darted forward to make it 1-0.
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A cold shower for England. But the goal meant that the match picture opened up, especially after a triple change from England. Five minutes after the late goal, Bukayo Saka swung in from the edge and slotted home the equalizer via the far post.
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Hear Trent Alexander-Arnold on the decisive penalty. Photo: SVT
Punishment decided
The tempo increased, but the match went to a tie and then a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Manuel Akanji missed Switzerland’s first penalty. Saka and everyone else slotted their penalties, which meant England won and are now through to the semi-finals. In Euro 2020, Saka became a big scapegoat when he missed his penalty in the final against Italy – now he became the match hero instead.
– It is one of the best matches, it was special. The last time we went into a penalty shootout in the EC, we know what happened. Coming back from something like that was difficult and I used it to strengthen myself, says Saka.
Union captain Gareth Southgate on Saka:
– He is so brave. He’s one of our best players so there was never any question about him not taking a penalty.
In the semi-finals, England will face the Netherlands.
European Championship
England
5 – 3
1-1 (Full Time)
Switzerland
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See the full penalty decision between England and Switzerland. Photo: Timgroothuis / BILDBYRÅN