“Redemption for Saka”, “Always silences the haters” - X reacts as England book Euro 2024 semi-final berth with penalty shootout win over Switzerland
Fans on X have reacted after England defeated Switzerland 5-3 on penalties to advance to the Euro 2024 semi-finals. This occurred after the game ended 1-1 in normal time at the Merkur Spiel Arena on Saturday, July 6.
The first half featured very little action with both sides sticking to a tight formation. The Three Lions had a slightly better xG of 0.28 compared to Switzerland's 0.08. However, the latter broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when Breel Embolo tucked the ball past Jordan Pickford into the back of the net.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka brought England back into the game five minutes later. He brilliantly cut in past two defenders before striking the ball off the inside of the post and into the net. The Euro 2024 QF tie went into extra time with the scores at 1-1.
Switzerland looked the better side and even struck the woodwork from Xherdan Shaqiri's corner, but could not find the winner. This came back to haunt them in the penalty shootout when Pickford easily saved Manuel Akanki's tame effort. The Three Lions were flawless in all five penalties with Trent Alexander-Arnold dispatching their final spot-kick to win the tie.
Fans on social media were also happy for Saka after he scored his nation's third penalty in the shootout. He was able to bury his demons from the past after he missed the decisive penalty in their Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.
One fan posted:
"What a performance from England. Redemption for Saka. Incredible stuff"
Another fan wrote:
"I used to waste time arguing with people who slander Saka, there's no need. He always silences the haters himself"
Other reactions can be viewed below:
"Bukayo Saka missed a penalty in the Euro 2020 final. In the #euro2024 edition, he scored a goal and converted his penalty to send England to the semis," one fan tweeted
"100 not out for Gareth Southgate as England manager. He leads the Three Lions into the #euro2024 semi-finals," another added
"Your apologies should be bigger than your disrespect. Saka for the redemption. Star boy!!" another fan praised Saka
"How England made it to the Euro semifinals:" one fan posted
"Wednesday 8pm, I better see Cole instead of Foden," one fan claimed
"@BellinghamJude Ballon d'or loading," another fan typed
"I know we’re quite split as a fanbase on Ramsdale, but this is so lovely to see," one fan admitted
How did England fare in their narrow Euro 2024 QF win against Switzerland?
England rode their luck at times but showcased great resiliency to defeat Switzerland on penalties to book their spot in the final four of Euro 2024. They have now reached the semi-finals in consecutive Euros for the first time in their history. They will face the winner of Netherlands vs Turkey on Wednesday, July 10.
Southgate's men did have more possession with 52 percent of the ball compared to Switzerland's 48 percent. The former attempted 670 passes with an accuracy of 91 percent, while the Swiss attempted 622 passes with an accuracy of 91 percent as well.
Both sides had their fair share of chances in attack as well, with the Three Lions landing 13 shots with three being on target. In contrast, Switzerland mustered 11 shots with three on target, having a superior xG of 1.49 compared to the former's 0.66.