England 1-1 Switzerland (5-3 pens): Player ratings as England edge into last four after Pickford’s penalty heroics

England Reach UEFA Euro 2024 Semi-Finals After Penalty Shoot-Out Triumph Over Switzerland

Trent Alexander-Arnold sent England into the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals after Jordan Pickford proved the hero in a 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland following a 1-1 draw in Dusseldorf.

Gareth Southgate’s team exorcised their penalty shoot-out demons on Saturday. Jordan Pickford’s crucial save from Manuel Akanji’s attempt set the stage for a flawless performance from the spot by England. Alexander-Arnold’s final penalty sealed their place in the last four, setting up a clash against either the Netherlands or Turkiye on Wednesday.

England started with a three-man defense, echoing their successful tactics from previous tournaments. Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden dominated the early stages, while Bukayo Saka consistently outmaneuvered Michel Aebischer. Despite this dominance, England failed to capitalize on their opportunities in the first half, with Kobbie Mainoo coming closest but thwarted by Granit Xhaka.

The game came alive after the break. Breel Embolo broke the deadlock in the 75th minute, finishing Dan Ndoye’s precise cross past a sprawling John Stones. However, Switzerland’s lead was short-lived. Substitutes Luke Shaw, Cole Palmer, and Eberechi Eze revitalized England. Declan Rice found Saka, who curled a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the area, aided by Yann Sommer’s post.

Extra time saw both teams come close to breaking the deadlock again. Declan Rice’s early attempt was saved, and Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner struck the woodwork. Zeki Amdouni’s shot was comfortably saved by Pickford, setting the stage for penalties.

In the shoot-out, Cole Palmer calmly converted the first kick. Jordan Pickford’s save from Akanji’s weak effort gave England the upper hand. With every subsequent penalty scored by both teams, Alexander-Arnold stepped up to fire his shot into the top-left corner, securing England’s semi-final berth.

England’s resilience and precision under pressure have reignited their hopes for UEFA Euro glory, with a tantalizing semi-final clash awaiting on Wednesday.

England player ratings

GK: Jordan Pickford – 7/10

CB: Kyle Walker – 5/10 

CB: John Stones – 6/10 

CB: Ezri Konsa – 7/10 

RM: Bukayo Saka – 8/10 

CM: Kobbie Mainoo – 7/10 

CM: Declan Rice – 6/10 

LM: Kieran Trippier – 5/10

AM: Jude Bellingham – 6/10

AM: Phil Foden – 6/10

ST: Harry Kane – 4/10 

SUB: Ebere Eze – 6/10

SUB: Luke Shaw – 6/10

SUB: Cole Palmer  – 6/10

SUB: Ivan Toney – N/A

SUB: Trent Alexander-Arnold  – N/A