England Wins on Penalties; Pickford, Saka Star in Euro 2024 Quarterfinal

 

In Dusseldorf, Gareth Southgate's team qualified for the semifinals with a flawless effort from 12 yards out.

Naturally, penalties were required, but this time, England remained composed and advanced to the Euro 2024 semifinals, defeating Switzerland 5-3 in the shootout following a tense 1-1 draw in Dusseldorf.

Although England's performance was better than their tedious performance in the group stage and last 16 matches, they lacked energy in the crucial areas. They were penalized when Breel Embolo scored the game's winning goal at the far post in the 75th minute.

England responded swiftly, and just after Southgate made his first changes, Bukayo Saka equalized with a goal that he had been threatening to make the entire game. He cut across the box with his left foot, sent it off the post, and the score was tied.

During the extra time, England continued to play cautiously and was really unnerved when Silvan Widmer rocketed over the bar and Xherdan Shaqiri struck the post from a corner.

England has terrible memories of penalties, but Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji's chance to give the Three Lions a great start. His outfield teammates also performed admirably, with Trent Alexander-Arnold scoring the game-winning strike to advance England to the final four.

England's players from Merkur Spiel Arena are rated by sporty3600...

Jordan Pickford (6/10) 

 

Was equal to some straightforward strikes and could not stop the goal. Reduced his long-kicking and increased his distribution. A spectacular save from Akanji set the tone for the shootout, and he made an excellent parry from Amdouni in extra time.

 

Kyle Walker (ranked 4/10):

 

Initially,  felt uneasy due to Vargas's pressure. Despite seeming more composed, he remained prone to errors and let Embolo beat him to the ball for Switzerland's strike.

 

John Stones: 5 out of 10

 

He should have blocked Switzerland's goal more forcefully because of his timid distribution.

 

Ezri Konsa (rated 6/10):

 

Pro-active made crucial blocks and headers, seamlessly filling in for Guehi and took off in Shaw's direction. 

Bukayo Saka, midfield (9/10):

 

He enjoyed playing wing-back more than in previous games, teasing Aebischer throughout. He would always be the main threat for England and the one to score. Then, with a composed penalty kick conversion, he drove out the ghost of Euro 2020.

 

Declan Rice (Rank: 6/10):

 

He was more dominant than prior appearances, and his tenacity resulted in interceptions.

 

Mainoo Kobbie (6/10):

 

His typical boldness and calmness with the ball resulted in some encouraging runs, but he consistently made the incorrect choice.

 

Trippier Kieran (5/10):

 

He didn't improve after switching to wing-back, and England's play remained lethargic. 

 Jude Bellingham (5/10):

Despite having some positive moments, his last pass let me down. Despite appearing exhausted most of the extra time, he scored his penalty.

 

Harry Kane (4 out of 10):

  Did not assist Saka; it was simply too static and needed more notes in the area. Brought off in extra time, appearing worn out, after being booked in the second half.

 

Phil Foden (5/10):

Despite several excellent passes to Saka, his play could have been more inspired.

 

Manager & Subs

Eberechi Eze,  (6/10):

They took over for Mainoo at bat and had good composure except for one mishandled ball.

 

Cole Palmer (7.5):

England's influence on the left increased, and some investigations were conducted but could not produce any noticeable results. He swaggered as usual as he slotted his penalty.

 

Luke Shaw (Rank: 6/10):

He showed no symptoms of being absent for five months when he eventually returned to the field. Favorable for the semifinals.

 

Ivan Toney (grade of 5/10):

Saw little of the ball after replacing Kane in the 109th minute. He was made to accept a punishment and carry out the request exactly.

 

Alexander-Arnold, Trent (N/A):

Earned the game-winning spot kick after five minutes of extra time.

 

Gareth Southgate (5/10):

Saka's aim offered him another life, but he was punished for not responding to Yakin's adjustments. Again, he got away with it, but he was too cowardly in extra time when he had to go for it. That's three semifinals in significant tournaments in four tries.