England put in a penalty shootout masterclass to earn their spot in the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
After falling behind against Switzerland, Bukayo Saka leveled the game and saw the Three Lions through 120 minutes of football and into the drama of a shootout.
While England’s performance had been unconvincing at best, their penalty shootout was anything but as they converted five out of five spot kicks with relative ease.
Having won just two of their nine penalty shootouts in major tournaments, it was always going to be a nervy moment, but a confident display meant that Gareth Southgate’s side have now won two of their last three shootouts in major competitions under his tutelage.
As a result of securing their spot in the last-four, England’s players and fans were keen to revel in their success.
After four successful penalties, Trent Alexander-Arnold lashed the winning spot kick into the top corner of the net, leading his England teammates to sprint towards him in celebration.
The Liverpool star clearly enjoyed the winning feeling, while Jude Bellingham cupped his ears after converting his penalty.
Southgate clearly enjoyed the moment, too, as he slumped to his knees and celebrated wildly after the winning kick.
The England players then celebrated on the pitch, before joining supporters for a rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’.
Fans were also hailing England’s progression to the semi-finals on social media.
Piers Morgan wrote: “England’s hero, Bukayo Saka,” with a picture of the Arsenal star. “BOOOOOOM! Never in doubt… what a great set of penalties. Well done England.”
Actor and social media sensation Ross Kemp was clearly loving what he saw as he shared a series of trademark videos, one of which was titled: “Saka! I love you!”
New Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, also enjoyed the result, writing: “Calm under pressure. Brilliant win England.”
The news also sparked quite a reaction at Wimbledon too, with Centre Court erupting as news of the penalty shootout win filtered through.
England will now face either Turkey or the Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.
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News Summary:
- Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka lead England celebrations as Keir Starmer, Piers Morgan and Ross Kemp congratulate Three Lions
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