England boss Gareth Southgate says his side have done a lot of work on penalties after beating Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
It was another dross performance from the Three Lions, but five white shirts kept their composure from the penalty spot to secure a place in the last four.
Southgate’s side went 1-0 down with 15 minutes to go after Breel Embolo turned home a cross, but there was an instant reply from the 2020 finalists.
Bukayo Saka cut in from the right-hand side and fired an effort in off the post, drawing his nation back on level terms.
There was nothing to separate the two sides in extra-time, and Jordan Pickford made the only save of the shootout, keeping Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji out.
Speaking to UEFA after the match, Southgate said: “We have done a lot of work on it. We’ve won three out of four shootouts now.
“In the end the players have to do it and deliver.
“For players to come into the game and do what they did, for someone like Bukayo having been what he’s been through to go through that pressure [is great].”
Saka picked up the Player of the Match award and scored his penalty, three years on from his miss at Wembley in the final.
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Southgate sang the Arsenal man’s praises and spoke about how much of a pleasure it is to work with him.
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He added:He’s a dream to work with, he’s a fabulous boy, such a good professional, so much fun to be around. Does an amazing job with and without the ball.
“They’ve all had to go in there and they’re young players in extreme pressure situations but we felt with the players we had on the pitch they were the best to take the penalties.”
England will face the winner of Netherlands vs Turkey in the semi-finals and could reach the final against either France or Spain.
