“It shows how much we want to win this tournament” - Bukayo Saka makes emphatic claim after securing Euro 2024 semi-final berth
England forward Bukayo Saka has spoken about his and his team's mindset after they overcame Switzerland on penalties to reach the semifinals of Euro 2024. The Three Lions booked a place in the semifinals of a second successive edition of the tournament on penalties after the match ended 1-1 on July 6.
Gareth Southgate's side were left disappointed at the Euros on home soil in 2021 after a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat against Italy at Wembley in the final. This time around, the Three Lions have looked far from convincing but have somehow reached the last four at Euro 2024.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was named in an unfamiliar right wing-back position as Southgate made a tactical tweak in response to the players available against Switzerland. He was one of the brightest performers for the side, and it was only fitting that he scored the equaliser in the 80th minute.
Saka was also on target in the penalty shootout as he was named as the Man of the Match following an impressive display. He spoke to the BBC after the game about how the manner of the win shows how much the team wants to win.
He said:
"I have faith in God. To come back from something like that is really difficult, but today I took the chance. I'm going to put it up there, special. How we fought back and to go to penalties... last time we took a penalty shoot-out at the Euros, we know what happened. I believed.
"I felt like we dominated the whole game and the chance would come and I took it. I am proud of myself for that. I think it shows how much we want to win this tournament. Hopefully, next game we can win in 90 minutes but if this is what it takes – we will do anything!"
England will face one of the Netherlands or Turkiye in the second semi-final of the tournament on July 10. The Three Lions are eager to win and have continued to do so at Euro 2024 despite a string of underwhelming performances so far.
Bukayo Saka heroics helps England reach Euro 2024 semifinals
Bukayo Saka was in magisterial form for England as they reached the last four at Euro 2024 in gritty fashion. The Arsenal man banished the ghosts of Euro 2020 to deliver a Man of the Match display against Switzerland.
The Swiss went ahead in the second half through Breel Embolo (75') before Saka drew level with a brilliant finish from outside the box. The match went to penalties after neither side managed to score a winner despite 30 extra minutes in Dusseldorf.
Saka took the third penalty for the Three Lions in the shootout, sending Yann Sommer the wrong way with a calm penalty. His teammates did not miss any of their kicks, while Jordan Pickford saved from Manuel Akanji and Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the winning penalty.