After defeating Switzerland on penalties to get to the Euro 2024 semifinals, England is now just two games away from winning a championship in Europe.
In Dusseldorf, a system adjustment did not yield the expected benefits as England once again disappointed, scarcely managing to create an opportunity until 10 minutes to go, when Bukayo Saka equalized, only minutes after Breel Embolo gave Switzerland a late lead.
During extra time, both sides were exhausted and at a loss for ideas, but England showed incredible composure during the penalty shootout, scoring on all five attempts to go to the semifinals.
Jordan Pickford – 8
Had nothing to do for most of the game and could do little about Breel Embolo’s tap-in at the back post. Made a relatively routine but crucial save in the shootout.
Kyle Walker – 5
Another uncharacteristically sloppy performance that lacked the intensity he provides for Manchester City. Lost his man at the back-post for Switzerland’s winner, too.
John Stones – 6
Was defensively sound enough but may feel he could have done better to cut out the cross from which Switzerland scored in the 75th minute.
Ezri Konsa – 8
Came in for the suspended Marc Guehi, making his first competitive start for England, and looked right at home. Made several crucial blocks and was a real presence at set-pieces. Was only subbed off as England had to make changes after going behind.
Kieran Trippier – 5
Maybe a slight improvement on his performances so far but nothing special, the left-hand side of England’s team problematic and far from fluid yet again.
Bukayo Saka – 9
Cut inside and rifled home England’s equaliser out of nowhere. Was also the main threat in the first half, providing a perfect response to those calling for him to be dropped. Was a menace down the right and twice delivered inviting crosses which on another day would have been prodded home. Tucked home his penalty after missing from the spot in the Euro 2020 final shootout.
Declan Rice – 6
Looked a little exposed in midfield but showed a bit of quality at both ends of the pitch. Still didn’t produce the kind of performance he did so often for title-chasing Arsenal last season.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
A joy to watch at times. Linked up well with England’s attacking players and dribbled through Switzerland’s midfield in the first half. Ex-England midfielder Frank Lampard, who knows a thing or two about the position, said he was ‘fantastic’ at half-time. Drifted a little but he’s still only 19 remember.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Yelled ‘who else’ after scoring his stunning overhead kick against Slovakia but the anonymous nature of much of his Euros performances returned after a briefly encouraging first-half display. Produced the odd moment of quality, including in the shootout.
Phil Foden – 4
Had more freedom than he has in recent games but still proved largely ineffective against the stubborn Swiss. A couple of openings excited England fans but Foden was generally underwhelming and made way in extra time.
Harry Kane – 4
Once again struggled to get into the game, touching the ball just nine times in the first half, comfortably the least of any player on the pitch. Looked off the pace, almost half-fit, as had been suggested by pundits during the group stage.
Subs:
Cole Palmer – 8
Impressed after his late substitution without making a game-changing contribution. Kicked off the shootout with a calm and cool effort.
Eberechi Eze – 6
Burst forward a few times, allowing England to get up the pitch. Did a job at left-wing back in extra time.
Luke Shaw – 6
How different the tournament could have been had the Manchester United defender been fit. Didn’t steal the show after his late introduction but did enough to show how big a miss he has been.
Ivan Toney – 8
Replaced Harry Kane with ten minutes remaining. Didn’t do a lot but made no mistake from the spot with a clinical penalty.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8
Was brought on specifically for penalties and justified his manager’s faith, converting the spot-kick that sent England through to the semis.