Someone at the Dusseldorf Arena decided it would be a good idea to play Queen and David Bowie’s Under Pressure over the public address system right before penalties. Bowie and Freddie Mercury were singing about the “terror of knowing what this world is about” as England got ready for the gunfight.
As it turned out, Jordan Pickford’s save and five flawless penalties helped England maintain their composure to advance to the semi-finals.
With a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Switzerland on Saturday at Euro 2024, England advanced to its second consecutive European Championship semifinal after the quarterfinals had ended 1-1.
England advanced to the final four after losing the tournament final to Canada. Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the game-winning penalty to secure the victory.
Although many other English players put on impressive displays, Bukayo Saka was the best player on the pitch. Sometimes it’s hard to really understand how hard a team is working when you watch a game on TV with the cameras following the ball.
In the 75th minute, Breel Embolo scored the first goal in Dusseldorf, tapping in from close range. However, five minutes later, Bukayo Saka equalised with a spectacular left-footed strike.
The game proceeded to penalties because nothing in extra time could separate the two teams. Jordan Pickford made a crucial save to deny Manuel Akanji’s initial penalty kick for Switzerland, as England’s players skillfully converted their attempts.
Although England has not always been the most successful in penalty shootouts in major tournaments .It lost to Italy in the final of the Euros three years ago.
Even though England didn’t have many opportunities, they still needed to exercise patience and discipline in order to defeat a formidable Swiss team.
Is Southgate the right one?
England have improved as a tournament team under Southgate. His lone defeat in a Euros match came from a penalty kick in the championship game.
Critics claim that England has not performed well enough in Germany. They desire more exciting football. Visit the movies if you’d like to be entertained. Football tournaments are about producing results, not about producing a show.
Despite one penalty and two own goals, France has advanced to the semi-finals of the Euros without scoring any goals during open play. Uruguay eliminated Brazil from the Copa America last night following a goalless draw and penalties.
Although it may not be exciting to watch Southgate’s team right now, they are playing good football, and they are just two victories away from winning the European Championship for the first time.
For Southgate’s detractors, anything less will not suffice.
“This is our last dance. Under pressure.”As featured on EvertonNews.com
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