JORDAN PICKFORD was the shoot-out hero as England kept their Euro 2024 dreams alive by beating Switzerland on penalties to reach the semi-finals.
Three years on from being denied the continental crown on spot-kicks, they had to fight their demons from 12 yards to continue their quest to go one better in Germany.
Bukayo Saka cancelled out Breel Embolo’s opener to take the quarter-final to extra-time and onto penalties after it ended 1-1, with the England star converting to bury the ghosts of his Euro 2020 final miss.
But Pickford was the star as he saved Manuel Akanji’s penalty, with Trent Alexander-Arnold wrapping up a 5-3 triumph to spark bedlam in Dusseldorf and seal a semi-final spot.
It was a dramatic end to an edgy encounter and England’s first shoot-out win since beating the Swiss in the Nations League third-placed play-off five years ago in Portugal.
Pickford was the hero then, just as he was on Saturday night as Gareth Southgate’s 100th match ended with a victory that set up a Dortmund clash against Turkey or the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Switzerland stuck with the same side that knocked out holders Italy as Southgate made one enforced change and a big switch in the system.
Ezri Konsa replaced suspended centre-back Marc Guehi and formed part of a back three, with eyebrows raised at the decision to deploy Saka as right wing-back rather than on the opposite side.
The tweaks left England a little more open, meaning some early interventions from the likes of Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo were required, but more threatening on the ball.
Southgate’s side made an encouraging start with crisper passing and better pressing than previous matches as Declan Rice and Mainoo saw shots blocked.
Phil Foden roamed more effectively and Jude Bellingham — cleared to play after making a gesture after scoring against Slovakia — probed, with Saka giving Michel Aebischer a torrid time.
His lively dart into the box just before the break led to Mainoo being denied by a great Granit Xhaka tackle.
The half ended without stoppage time or a shot on target from either side but within six minutes of the restart Embolo got a shot on Jordan Pickford’s goal.
The Swiss striker saw a headed effort blocked by Konsa as Murat Yakin’s improved side threatened with increased regularity as they attacked their bouncing sea of red.
England fans turned up the volume in response, only to be silenced in the 75th minute.
A smart Swiss passing move saw Newcastle’s Fabian Schar slip in Dan Ndoye to send a low cross that John Stones could only help onto the far post, where Embolo held off Kyle Walker to score.
The England boss immediately brought on Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and Luke Shaw – making his first appearance since mid-February – after a goal rocked that England but did not shake their spirit.
Just five minutes after falling behind, Saka confidently cut in from the right and arrowed a low left-footed shot from the edge of the box that beat Yann Sommer, coming off the inside of the far post, and sparked celebrations across the land.
The feeling was as much of relief as joy but there was still an anxious moment as a superb Schar cross was taken off the head of Ndoye by Embolo with an open goal gaping.
Rice went agonisingly close to putting England ahead five minutes into the first period of extra time, hitting a brilliant 25-yarder that Sommer tipped wide.
Normally I don’t mind England, but dear god how such a negative, risk averse manager with such a talented squad has managed to get to a semi final is beyond me. They might get to a final now, but Spain will then show them how good football will win you matches.
@The Firestarter: It’s funny how I haven’t heard the same thing about France.
@Conor Lynott: France are tedious too. Both are risk averse and robbing us of any decent football. Spain keeping the flag flying.
@An tEoghanach: That tells you international football is not that good. People need to stop expecting international football teams to turn into prime Barcelona. Most international managers are there because they can’t get a club job. Get real. By the current standards of international football, Southgate is decent.
@Conor Lynott: Fair point, I had actually forgotten how bad France are so far. I actually would have no problem with England winning if they just played some bloody football
@The Firestarter: Nobody plays football at international level, they all just play pretend and or/or cover their arsed and the ones who pretends the most wins. Then they go back to to their clubs and go: ‘Let’s play football’
Cannot stand Pickford
@Beyondthepale: Bellingham and Saka cupping their ears to the crowd after scoring their penalties. Pair of dix. You’d swear they actually won something. It’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
I don’t normally shout for England however this time I did, just so that it would shut up some of the clowns who post on here. The anti English sentiment is disgusting, these same people will purchase English papers, follow English sides, etc etc. We are more English than the English themselves in many ways. I hope they win it!!
@Joseph Fitzgibbon: l’m not English
@Joseph Fitzgibbon: i dont mind england winning at all
Omg. What is happening to football. Dunno what’s worse these days Gaelic football or the Queens football. Appears someone somewhere is trying to make sport extinct. Are there any pro’s for modern day football? Me thinks not
@WqM9AAv3: Nothing’s happening to football, all the good managers are at clubs.
@Conor Lynott: I’m lost for words of you think club football is any better than that tripe on in Germany now
@WqM9AAv3: It’s simple – mangers with higher IQ and more time together = better football. A lot of attacks at international level break down because of miscommunication so they play it safe. Whereas, the only reason attacks break down at club level is good defence.
@WqM9AAv3: don’t watch it then?
@WqM9AAv3: That has to be the most embarassing comment ive ever seen anywhere. Look at the football we’ve seen in the season gone by, champions league outstanding year on year. And the premier league going right to the end with some of the best games…the Liverpool/City game one of the best ive ever seen. International football is levels and levels below club football. You must be a GAA or Rugby fan.
@colin coady: have no fear, the off button on the remote control is a life saver
@Donie Nagle: i guess I’m living in the past regarding international football. When money hadn’t destroyed the game. The great international teams of 50’s 60’s 70’s 80’s when skill, flair, brilliance, natural ability etc were at the core of the game.
Can everyone make sure they get the beer in the house for next week when they lose in the final against Spain. How we will rejoice!
Southgate has made an average team from some top class players- just as well most of the opposition are average as well
It’s very quiet here tonight!!
@Ray Ridge: Ireland were unbelievable yes. With Hansen jbp Keenan Conan we easily beat them boks. Best in world is out Irish
@Ray Ridge: the football game that was on has put everyone to sleep Ray. Give them a couple hours and they may come too
@Ray Ridge: tired from all the sport today xzxz
@WqM9AAv3: Well, at least football is a nice and simple game without a million rules that have no use being there. Turns people off rugby.
@Ray Ridge: You on the money so far Ray in fairness.
@Bert Carolan: My dark horses giving the Dutch a game so far. Ya I said England don’t have to win another game to lift the trophy. It’s Cup football now. I wouldn’t be beating against England even if they have been hopeless so far. Turks 1-0.
@Ray Ridge: another wrong prediction
@David Ryan: incorrect. Turkey were my dark horses and they didn’t let me down. Boy have they put in some shift again. Most people didn’t think they would even get out of the group. So, to make quarter finals was great achievement.
@Ray Ridge: you said the turks 1 – 0 so yes it was another wrong prediction
@Ray Ridge: Dutch are my dark horses, were always going to win this; to quote Ray.
Ah they were lucky in fairness but they in the semis.
Will have to improve to beat Brits. I think it will be England Spain final. Spain to win. England can’t keep depending on luck.
Is risk averse a new buzz phrase
@Jp Cleary: Nah, it’s the stupid person’s new smart word to make them look sophisticated. It used to be go forward ball.
@Jp Cleary: southgate is buzz averse. No craic.
They’ll get to the final im convinced now.
The dutch might have something to say yet
@kenneth Finnerty: Of course, they’re acidic, like Oranges
@kenneth Finnerty: With donkeys like gakpo and depay Upfront, I wouldn’t be too sure. Falling over themselves every time they go to shoot.
@Ray Ridge: stick to the egg chasing there Ray goodman
Hopefully day get to the final and get beaten well