Gareth Southgate once represented something fresh and promising for England, taking a group of talented young players and taking them closer than ever before in a European Championship competition. Eight years later, he has become stale and the England team has reverted back towards their traditional, disappointing ways. The system may have changed today for the quarter-final match-up against Switzerland, but the line-up suggested little would actually be different. Ezri Konsa came in for the suspend Marc Guéhi to make a back three, but in possession it operated as a back four. Despite looking the most comfortable they have been all tournament, the first half spurned nothing of note. As the second half looked to go the same way, Switzerland took a late lead through Breel Embolo. Southgate was finally forced to make changes, and minutes later the equaliser flew in via Bukayo Saka with a pinpoint effort. 1-1 after another dry 90 minutes. Jude Bellingham was ok in a team with no stand out stars on the day.
Declan Rice kicked off extra time with a strong effort from distance that was tipped past the post. Bellingham then curled a strike towards goal but the keeper read the play to make an easy save. Extra time inevitably meant penalties, which meant that one nation would be going home heartbroken. Jude Bellingham scored his penalty and England triumphed in the shoot-out to make the semi-final stage. They will play either the Netherlands or Turkey for a place in the final.