After the Dutch narrowly defeated Turkey and the Three Lions defeated Switzerland on penalties, England will take against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semifinals.
Even if they weren’t at their best, Gareth Southgate’s team did better than expected against Switzerland, who eliminated Italy, the reigning champions, in the previous round.
In the first half, England was the superior team; they controlled possession, moved into dangerous areas, and didn’t produce many, if any, clear-cut opportunities.
This pattern persisted throughout the second half, but in the 75th minute, Breel Embolo’s tap-in at the back post gave Switzerland the lead and they started to show their dominance.
Although England fans were definitely worried about the worst at that time, Southgate’s team equalized in less than five minutes thanks to a cut shot from Bukayo Saka from the edge of the box.
Penalties were required after the score remained 1-1 after extra-time and England were immaculate in the shootout, converting all five spot-kicks and progressing after Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s effort.
Who are England’s semi-final opponents?
England’s quarter-final was the first to be played on this side of the draw so Southgate’s side were initially unaware of their semi-final opponents.
The Netherlands played Turkey in the last Euro 2024 quarter-final and the Dutch won 2-1 in Berlin to set up an intriguing semi-final meeting with England.
Ronald Koeman’s side did not have it all their own way and had to come from behind after Samet Akaydin gave Turkey the lead on 35 minutes.
But the Netherlands scored twice in six second-half minutes through Stefan de Vrij and a Mert Muldur own goal to complete the turnaround.
The Netherlands, set to make their final semi-final appearance since 2004, eased past Romania in the last-16 after only reaching the knockout stages as one of the best third-place teams.
They amassed four points from three games in Group D against Poland, Austria and fellow semi-finalists France.
After kick-starting their Euros campaign with a 2-1 win over Poland, the Netherlands played out a goalless draw with France and then lost 2-1 to Austria.
The Turkey victory means they have become just the second nation to finish third in a group and reach a European Championship semi-final, after eventual champions Portugal at Euro 2016.
When is England’s Euro 2024 semi-final?
England will meet the Netherlands in the Euros semi-final at 8pm on Wednesday night. The final takes place on Sunday.
The BVB Stadion in Dortmund hosts England’s semi-final.
What about the other side of the draw?
In the other side of the draw, France take on Spain in a mouth-watering semi-final clash at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
World Cup finalists France beat Portugal on penalties in a cagey quarter-final, while Spain knocked out Euro hosts Germany.
How did England react to reaching the semi-finals?
England boss Southgate said: ‘I am so proud of the players. I thought we played well. We had to defend extremely well as a team.
‘We caused them problems with the way we used the ball. We had a big threat with Bukayo down the right for the whole game.
‘We were happy with the performance and then you go behind and you have to show other characteristics. The players showed their resilience, desire and character and forced their way back into the game.
“Extra time could have gone either way, and they handled the penalties with great poise.”
“It was a magical experience, something I dreamed about as a kid wanting to play in these kinds of games,” said Ezri Konsa, defender for the Three Lions.
The fact that we won tonight is what matters most, and I’m thankful to the gaffer for including me. It was a highly emotional game, but we succeeded.
“I’m confident we can win everything if we keep up our spirit of unity and perseverance.”