England celebrate their penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland
England 1-1 (extra time) Switzerland (5-3 penalties): Bukayo Saka and Breel Embolo exchanged goals in regulation time as the Three Lions' Euro 2024 campaign continues
However, the Three Lions' performances in Fortuna Dusseldorf have not been as good as they could have been. Throughout the game, they were once again in trouble and struggled to create real attacking chances.
England struggled for a while, with Breel Embolo giving Switzerland the lead with a long-range shot from 15 minutes remaining. But just five minutes later, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka stepped up to equalise for Gareth Southgate's side.
In extra-time, Switzerland had a corner kick hit the post and that was the closest they came to scoring. However, the two sides eventually went to penalties. Switzerland's Manuel Akanji missed a penalty to leave victory hopes to England. Gareth Southgate's men excelled in the penalty shoot-out, with Trent Alexander-Arnold scoring the winning goal to help his side advance.
Here are a few key points to discuss when the Three Lions play the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals of the European Championship:
Southgate tactical changes
After a poor four-game run in Germany, England boss Gareth Southgate decided to make a change to his Swiss side. Ezri Konsa replaces the suspended Mark Gay.
The most obvious change is in tactics. The Three Lions used a back three, with Bukayo Saka unexpectedly appearing on the right and Kieran Trippier on the left.
Despite the adjustments, England struggled for much of the game, with a lackluster attack. They were in control in the first half, but in the second half they lost control of the game completely.
Who do you think was the best player against Switzerland? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.
Gareth Southgate changed formation against Switzerland
Konsa did a great job
The only substitute in England's squad – Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa – was impressive. Considering that the guy he replaced has already had a series of mature and excellent performances, it is very commendable that Konsa has been able to seamlessly transition and replace him.
Konsa made a number of key interceptions to keep out Breel Embolo's attack. Gay is likely to return straight to the team, but Konsa's performance has certainly earned him the chance to represent England again.
Kane had a mediocre performance
Harry Kane hasn't been the best in this tournament. The England captain struggled again against Switzerland.
His movement is limited and he doesn't seem to have any desire to score. His most notable contribution was a controversial midfield foul on Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, which earned him a yellow card.
He then suffered a serious collision on the bench during extra time before being replaced by Ivan Toney.
Harry Kane was frustrating again against Switzerland
Embolo scored Switzerland's first goal
The Swiss team didn't create many notable goalscoring chances throughout the game, but they took the only chance. Ruben Vargas delivered a brilliant low cross.
John Stones found himself in an awkward position and had no choice but to stick out his toes and try to clear the game. But that sent the ball to Embolo, who scored with ease. England were taken by surprise and Southgate quickly made three changes.
Saka became a hero
These substitution adjustments seem to have paid off, but they have not played a key role. Saka received the ball on the right and cut inside with his left foot and fired a low shot.
Luckily, the ball flew just past the post and into the corner. The goal sent Southgate to celebrate wildly, and he may have breathed a sigh of relief.
Away from goal, Bukayo Saka played brilliantly down the right to give Michel Ebysher a difficult night.
Bukayo Saka celebrates the equaliser against England
Penalty shoot-out heaven
Like night turning into day, England went to a penalty shoot-out in a major international competition. After Kane was off, Cole Palmer took the first penalty and slotted it safely.
Pickford then saved Akanji's shot to give England the lead. Jude Bellingham, Schar, Bukayo Saka and Shaqiri all managed to get the ball in the back of the net.
Toney also contributed a flawless performance, while Abdouni kept Switzerland's hopes of reaching the last four alive. In the end, however, Alexander-Arnold stepped up to help England progress to the last four – and he did!