England captain Harry Kane says his side found a way like champions of the past after the Three Lions booked their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
A penalty shootout was required for Gareth Southgate’s side to squeeze past Switzerland but all five takers hit the back of the net, with Trent Alexander-Arnold netting the winning strike.
England were at risk of going out, with Breel Embolo scoring with 15 minutes to go, but Bukayo Saka hit back immediately to take the game to extra time.
Neither side could push on in the extra 30 minutes, but the 2020 finalists triumphed in the end from 12 yards.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the match, Kane said: “That’s tournament football for you. You have to find a way.
“When you look at past champions in competitions, they have to go through penalty shootouts.
It wasn’t Harry Kane’s finest England game, but…😬
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— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) July 6, 2024
“It comes down to moments. For Saka to step up and score that goal was special for him. I was weirdly calm during penalties.
“We have a lot more players that take them for their club. I know they are comfortable and know Pickford normally saves one.
“I think penalty shootouts are the highest pressure you will feel as a professional footballer.
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“But for him [Sak] to step up like he did after the tough time he had been through [in 2020].
“I am really proud of him and proud of everyone. There is one week left. We will see how far we can go.”
England will go on to face the Netherlands in the semi-final on Wednesday night.
Should they win that, they will face either France or Spain in the final.
