Euro 2024

A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the chances of England winning Euro 2024 – and it is not great reading.Gareth Southgate’s men beat Switzerland on penalties on Saturday after another brave comeback.Gareth Southgate’s England are preparing to face Netherlands in Wednesday’s semi-finalCredit: GettyThe Three Lions will face Netherlands in the semi-final of Euro 2024 on Wednesday after another comeback win.Breel Embolo thought he had won it for Switzerland when he broke the deadlock with just 15 minutes left but Bukayo Saka’s excellent effort levelled to send the game to extra-time.Neither team was able to find a breakthrough in the additional thirty – meaning that it went to a shootout.Jordan Pickford, thanks to his research on his bottle, saved Manuel Akanji’s spot-kick before Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, and Ivan Toney all converted, leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold to step up to win it.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Netherlands also came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday night to seal their place in the last-four.Samet Akaydin deservedly put Turkey ahead in the first half but they were pegged back when Stefan de Vrij headed home 20 minutes from time.But there was another twist just moments later as an own goal from Mert Muldur, who bundled the ball into the net under pressure from Cody Gakpo, sealed it.However, before they and England go head-to-head Spain meet France tomorrow first in the other semi.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Spanish defeated hosts Germany 2-1 courtesy of a last-ditch winner in extra-time from Mikel Merino on Friday.They are heavily-fancied to go all the way by many – but first they have to overcome France.Trent Alexander-Arnold puts England into Euro 2024 semi finals with brilliant final penalty in shootout vs SwitzerlandThe World Cup finalists needed penalties to get past Portugal three days ago to book their spot in the semis.Now ahead of all the big-match action, a Supercomputer has crunched all of the numbers and stats generated by each team so far to determine the likely percentage of them going all the way.The research was conducted by Gracenote Predictor and it makes grim reading for Southgate and his team.They have worked out that Spain have the best – with 34 per cent – probability of lifting the trophy.France are behind them with a tally of 25 per cent, which is just one more than the Netherlands.I know we needed penalties… but England showed vs Switzerland why they can WIN Euro 2024, says Jack WilshereIT TOOK penalties to put us through but, before the drama, England showed us why they have the ingredients to do something special, writes Jack Wilshere.It was a win by the narrowest of margins but this was overall our best performance of Euro 2024.If we can build on the progress we made, especially in the first half, we could WIN the tournament.It was not a complete display. There were nervy moments and waiting so long to make changes could have cost us.But we saw what a good team England can be if they do the right things and put players in the right positions.The first half was England’s best since the first 45 against Serbia. Maybe even better.One of the keys to that was our press and the effect it had on Granit Xhaka.For the first time in four games we were pressing high, winning the ball back in better areas and putting Switzerland on the back foot.In previous matches, our forwards were pressing but the gaps between our lines were too big.That was leaving huge gaps for Declan Rice and whoever was partnering him to cover.This time there was better structure and organisation.There seemed to be more of a plan for when to drop into a block and when to jump out to press.Now England have the opportunity to build momentum and show why they can win this tournament.Read all of SunSport columnist Jack’s Euro 2024 articles.That means that the Gracenote Predictor has determined that England are the outsiders with just a 17 per cent chance of becoming European champions.And it did not take fans of the Three Lions long to react once that info was shared on social media.“England last,” wrote one before adding: “You must be joking!”Another said: “Reality is it’s much closer to 25% each. Games that have gone before don’t mean anything.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third commented: “7% less than Netherlands is wild.”While a fourth joked: “Gareth Southgate’s master plan… Make England the worst team all tournament to then go and win it all!!!”England player ratings: Saka the saviour for Three Lions but subbed Kane stuggles in penalties thriller vs SwitzerlandBUKAYO SAKA showed huge courage as he dug England out of a hole and through on penalties against Switzerland, writes Tom Barclay.The Three Lions looked to be going out when Breel Embolo had put Swiss ahead on 75 minutes.But Arsenal star Saka dragged England back into five minutes later with a stunning effort off the post.To penalties it went – just like it did between these two sides five years ago in the Nations League.And just like back then, Jordan Pickford made a save – repelling the Swiss’s first effort from Manuel Akanji.England were perfect from then on, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellignam, Saka, Ivan Toney and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold sending the Three Lions into the semi-final.Here’s how the players rated…Jordan Pickford: 7Had his heart in his mouth when Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner deep into extra-time hit the post and bar, but then pulled off a smart stop to take it to penalties.Saved Manuel Akanji’s first spot-kick by diving low to his left.Kyle Walker: 6Spent most of the game on the right side of a three which meant he could not get forward. Embolo got in front of him for Switzerland’s opener. Won the toss so the penalties were taken in front of the England fans.John Stones: 6Crisper passing in the first half, much better than his sloppy Slovakia display, but his deflection on Dan Ndoye’s cross diverted it to Embolo.Ezri Konsa: 6Was decent in the first half of his maiden start at a major tournament but, like the rest of the team, went into his shell after the break.Kieran Trippier: 6Had been expected to play right wing-back but was once again on the left.Solid defensively but, as has been the case throughout the tournament, offered little going forward on his unnatural side.Declan Rice: 7Anticipated, and subsequently, won a number of 50-50s at the base of England’s midfield.It was his decoy run that opened up the space for Saka to find the corner, before his 25-yard wonderstrike was denied by a flying Yann Sommer save in extra-time.Kobbie Mainoo: 6Some decent drives forward from midfield. Looked as if he would fire home an opener just before the break afterBukayo Saka’s nice cutback, but was denied by Granit Xhaka’s excellent block.Bukayo Saka: 8 and STAR MANDid not play at left wing-back as expected, but was England’s most dangerous attacking player throughout – and none more so when he came to the rescue with his 80th-minute leveller which flew in off the post.Showed huge courage in the shoot-out as he stroked home his penalty beautifully, three years on from missing in the last Euros final.Jude Bellingham: 6Produced a few graceful dribbles which showcased his quality in the first half but pretty quiet.Looked knackered but showed big cojones with his low penalty.Phil Foden: 6Admitted before the game that his central role would suit him better and it seemed to in the first 20 minutes, but faded after that.Harry Kane: 4This system just does not suit him. He needs runners, but does not look like he is going to get them.Just could not get into the game and was subbed out of it in extra-time, seconds after he was sent crashing into his manager on the touchline.SUBSCole Palmer (for Konsa, 78): 7One of three players to come on in reaction to Switzerland’s opener – why did it take so long, Gareth? Dispatched England’s first spot-kick with aplomb.Luke Shaw (for Trippier, 78): 6First minutes of football since February, slotting in on the left side of back three as Southgate went for broke.Eberechi Eze (for Mainoo, 78): 6Carved out a nice bit of space for himself in the dying moments but fired wide.Ivan Toney (For Kane, 109): 7It was no surprise to see him come with the prospect of penalties on the horizon – what was more of a shock was that it was for spot-kick maestro Kane. Was knocked over in the box right at the end of extra-time, but nothing was given. Confident penalty.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Foden, 115): 7Thrown on late into extra-time. Belted home his spot-kick to win it.Gareth Southgate: 4The adjusted back three system worked to a certain extent, but still the approach looked to be to keep it tight and rely on a moment of magic.Saka provided that for the leveller, but given the talent at his disposal, it seemed very limited.Took an age to make a change – prompted only by Switzerland going ahead. But got his subs right when it came to the penalty shoot-out.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

HARRY KANE has been told to try a simple tactical tweak to fix the “dilemma” in the England squad.Despite the Three Lions skipper scoring two goals in five appearances, Kane has struggled to find his feet at the Euros this summer.Harry Kane has been told to make a tactical tweak to solve the ‘dilemma’ in the England squadCredit: GettyThe England captain has been playing further back on the pitch than he usually doesCredit: GettyThe No9 was seen chasing down the defence in the quarter-final against SwitzerlandIn England’s win against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-final Kane was spotted playing much further back and also more defensive than fans are used to.Highlighting the “dilemma” Gareth Southgate is facing on where Kane should play in the England line-up were Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football podcast.Lineker said: “There is the conundrum for Gareth, it’s like positives and negatives. You’ve got the positive that Harry if you get a chance you know nine times well nineteen times out of twenty he’ll bang it away if it’s a good chance.”But you’re not getting anything behind a defence. So if Kane could sprint behind, and push the back three, they have to run which creates more space.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But he’s not that player. It’s a dilemma.”Kane who by trade is a No9 has been dropping back when playing in the Euros to help out his team’s midfield.But it became a problem during the game against the Swiss after he missed a golden chance to score when Bukayo Saka chipped the ball into the box and the Bayern Munich striker was nowhere to be seen.And former striker Shearer resonated with Kane back when he played for the nation under Terry Venables and gave a tactical tweak for the England star to make in the semi-final against the Netherlands.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe hinted that Kane should stand wide to move the opposition’s centre-backs out of position.Shearer said: “I always remember Terry Venables saying to me ‘if you are ever playing against three at the back go and stand on the touchline and see what they do.’BREAKING: Harry Kane forced off after crashing into England bench during extra-time despite Gareth Southgate’s bid to save him”‘Because there is so much space over there for other people and see if they will be brave enough to send two over with you or one.'”If they send one over then you fancy your chance at one vs one. But if they send another two over then there has to be spaces somewhere else.”Southgate after the victory against Switzerland admitted that Kane has not been on his best form but he praised the 30-year-old for his team effort.He said: “I mean all of the games have been slightly different, I thought Harry did a super job for the team in terms of defence, his positioning, his understanding of where he needed to be.”He’s perhaps not flowing as he’s arriving in those deeper areas as sometimes he looks with his passing and stuff, but he’s still playing an immense part for the group.”And Southgate’s comments suggest he is unlikely to leave his captain out of the squad against the Netherlands on Wednesday night for the semi-final.England player ratings: Saka the saviour for Three Lions but subbed Kane stuggles in penalties thriller vs SwitzerlandBUKAYO SAKA showed huge courage as he dug England out of a hole and through on penalties against Switzerland, writes Tom Barclay.The Three Lions looked to be going out when Breel Embolo had put Swiss ahead on 75 minutes.But Arsenal star Saka dragged England back into five minutes later with a stunning effort off the post.To penalties it went – just like it did between these two sides five years ago in the Nations League.And just like back then, Jordan Pickford made a save – repelling the Swiss’s first effort from Manuel Akanji.England were perfect from then on, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellignam, Saka, Ivan Toney and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold sending the Three Lions into the semi-final.Here’s how the players rated…Jordan Pickford: 7Had his heart in his mouth when Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner deep into extra-time hit the post and bar, but then pulled off a smart stop to take it to penalties.Saved Manuel Akanji’s first spot-kick by diving low to his left.Kyle Walker: 6Spent most of the game on the right side of a three which meant he could not get forward. Embolo got in front of him for Switzerland’s opener. Won the toss so the penalties were taken in front of the England fans.John Stones: 6Crisper passing in the first half, much better than his sloppy Slovakia display, but his deflection on Dan Ndoye’s cross diverted it to Embolo.Ezri Konsa: 6Was decent in the first half of his maiden start at a major tournament but, like the rest of the team, went into his shell after the break.Kieran Trippier: 6Had been expected to play right wing-back but was once again on the left.Solid defensively but, as has been the case throughout the tournament, offered little going forward on his unnatural side.Declan Rice: 7Anticipated, and subsequently, won a number of 50-50s at the base of England’s midfield.It was his decoy run that opened up the space for Saka to find the corner, before his 25-yard wonderstrike was denied by a flying Yann Sommer save in extra-time.Kobbie Mainoo: 6Some decent drives forward from midfield. Looked as if he would fire home an opener just before the break afterBukayo Saka’s nice cutback, but was denied by Granit Xhaka’s excellent block.Bukayo Saka: 8 and STAR MANDid not play at left wing-back as expected, but was England’s most dangerous attacking player throughout – and none more so when he came to the rescue with his 80th-minute leveller which flew in off the post.Showed huge courage in the shoot-out as he stroked home his penalty beautifully, three years on from missing in the last Euros final.Jude Bellingham: 6Produced a few graceful dribbles which showcased his quality in the first half but pretty quiet.Looked knackered but showed big cojones with his low penalty.Phil Foden: 6Admitted before the game that his central role would suit him better and it seemed to in the first 20 minutes, but faded after that.Harry Kane: 4This system just does not suit him. He needs runners, but does not look like he is going to get them.Just could not get into the game and was subbed out of it in extra-time, seconds after he was sent crashing into his manager on the touchline.SUBSCole Palmer (for Konsa, 78): 7One of three players to come on in reaction to Switzerland’s opener – why did it take so long, Gareth? Dispatched England’s first spot-kick with aplomb.Luke Shaw (for Trippier, 78): 6First minutes of football since February, slotting in on the left side of back three as Southgate went for broke.Eberechi Eze (for Mainoo, 78): 6Carved out a nice bit of space for himself in the dying moments but fired wide.Ivan Toney (For Kane, 109): 7It was no surprise to see him come with the prospect of penalties on the horizon – what was more of a shock was that it was for spot-kick maestro Kane. Was knocked over in the box right at the end of extra-time, but nothing was given. Confident penalty.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Foden, 115): 7Thrown on late into extra-time. Belted home his spot-kick to win it.Gareth Southgate: 4The adjusted back three system worked to a certain extent, but still the approach looked to be to keep it tight and rely on a moment of magic.Saka provided that for the leveller, but given the talent at his disposal, it seemed very limited.Took an age to make a change – prompted only by Switzerland going ahead. But got his subs right when it came to the penalty shoot-out.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

ALVARO MORATA has threatened to quit playing for Spain.The former Chelsea striker has claimed that Euro 2024 could be his last international tournament.Alvaro Morata has threatened to quit SpainCredit: GettyMorata, 31, believes he does not get any respect and is jeered at during a friendly match against Brazil in March. He has now given a controversial interview to Spanish outlet El Mundo.He said: “It could be [my last tournament with Spain].”It’s a possibility that I don’t want to talk about too much, but it’s probable.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMorata went on to explain that he prefers playing outside of Spain as he insisted there is “no respect” in his homelandHe added: “In Spain it’s hard for me to be happy.”Without doubt [I’m happier outside of Spain]. I’ve said it many times. Above all, because people respect me.”In Spain there’s no respect for anything or anyone.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Atletico Madrid ace is likely to be in the team to face France in the Euro 2024 semi-final tomorrow evening.This comes after incorrect reports suggested that he was suspended during the quarter-final win over Germany.BBC brutally troll Cristiano Ronaldo live on TV with pun about penalty miss during Portugal’s win over SloveniaHe said: “The other day, people said I was crying [on the touchline] because I’d been given a yellow card.”What nonsense is that! I was crying because my country, with me as captain, had got into the semifinals. “I could never criticise someone who was crying because of that.”But I’m criticised, when I’d cut my hand off to win the Euros.”I try to enjoy this tournament, which could be my last games with the national team, and in the future, what will be, will be.”Maybe one day they’ll even miss me.”Each day, the moment for leaving is closer, that’s why I enjoy it, that’s why I’ll cry at whatever comes next, for good or bad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMorata has worn the armband for Spain during the tournament and has helped the team become the favourites to go all the way.Spain topped Group B with three wins before beating Georgia 4-1 in the round of 16.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

ENGLAND’S stars made a splash on their rest day – but Phil Foden stole the show with his brilliant ball skills.Gareth Southgate’s side were still on cloud nine after beating Switzerland on penalties on Saturday.Phil Foden stole the show on England’s recovery dayCredit: Instagram englandHe was hilariously compared to a seal after displaying stunning skillsCredit: Instagram englandFoden performed a number of ball tricks in the pool that left fans stunnedCredit: Instagram englandPenalty hero Bukayo Saka still looked to be on cloud nineCredit: Instagram englandCole Palmer, Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo smile for the camera in BlankenhainCredit: GettyIvan Toney was one of the players that enjoyed a bike rideCredit: GettyThe Three Lions will face Netherlands in the semi-final of Euro 2024 on Wednesday after another comeback win.It seemed like Breel Embolo had won it for Switzerland when he broke the deadlock with just 15 minutes left.But Bukayo Saka’s excellent effort levelled to send the game to extra-time, but neither team managed to find a breakthrough as it went to a shootout.Jordan Pickford, thanks to his research on his bottle, saved Manuel Akanji’s spot-kick before Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, and Ivan Toney all converted.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat left Trent Alexander-Arnold to step up to win it, and the Liverpool star made no mistake in securing a 5-3 shootout win as Luke Shaw won plaudits for his reaction to the crucial kick.Before the focus intensifies on the Dutch, England’s heroes had a rest and recovery at their base on Sunday.And it showed Saka, who celebrated the shootout by raising his hands to the air, was still all smiles as he took part in the session in the pool.But Foden could not resist performing a bit of ball work while swimming, and he showed how he is just as talented with his head as he is with his feet.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Man City ace expertly headed a ball against a poolside window and even threw in one or two shoulders as he looked to be fully enjoying himself.Along with a love heart emoji, one fan replied to the clip of him shared by the England Instagram account with: “My face when I saw Phil, this has made my day.”While another declared: “Foden’s ball control is another level.”As another joked that he “looked like a seal doing tricks” in there.Jude Bellingham sported a huge grin during his recovery sessionCredit: GettyHe also looked to be on tune duty for the sessionCredit: Instagram englandTrent Alexander-Arnold enjoyed a light gym workoutCredit: Instagram englandAnthony Gordon joined him in the gymCredit: Instagram englandConor Gallagher was spotted on the weights during the sessionCredit: Instagram englandBellingham was another pictured in the water as he appeared to be having his say on what tunes were being played ahead of the pool session.Penalty hero Alexander-Arnold and Anthony Gordon were both spotted exercising in the gym, as was Conor Gallagher who was recorded lifting weights.Several more stars appeared on the clip as the mood in camp looked to still be on cloud nine.England’s penalty shootout recordTHE dreaded penalty shootout.England’s nemesis at no fewer than EIGHT major tournaments since 1990, from the West Germany heartache at Italia 90 to Wembley woes on the brink of Euro 2020 final glory.But the perfect shootout win over Switzerland at Euro 2024 gives some reason for optimism…1990 World Cup semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 04/07/1990 – LOST 4-3Euro 1996 quarter-final vs SPAIN, 22/06/1996 – WON 4-2Euro 1996 semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 26/06/1996 – LOST 6-5Friendly vs BELGIUM, 29/05/1998 – LOST 4-31998 World Cup last 16 vs ARGENTINA, 30/06/1998 – LOST 4-3Euro 2004 quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 24/06/2004 – LOST 6-52006 World Cup quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 01/07/2006 – LOST 3-1Euro 2012 quarter-final vs ITALY, 24/06/2012 – LOST 4-22018 World Cup last 16 vs COLOMBIA, 03/07/2018 – WON 4-3Nations League third-place play-off vs SWITZERLAND, 09/06/2019 – WON 6-5Euro 2020 final vs ITALY, 11/07/2021 – LOST 3-2Euro 2024 last-16 vs SWITZERLAND, 06/07/24 – WON 5-3OVERALL: Played 11, Won 3, Lost 8And the well-wishes flooded in on the comments as one reply read: “Well deserved. Rest, relax, re-focus. Let’s smash the semi final!”Another said: “Well deserved boys, let’s get ready to go again.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third said: “Go on the boys, bring it home!!!!!!”As a fourth added: “These lads are gonna make history!”Ezri Konsa was all smiles as he gave a thumbs-up to the cameraCredit: Instagram englandIt was Foden’s antics that had most fans jumping into the commentsCredit: Instagram englandEngland player ratings: Saka the saviour for Three Lions but subbed Kane stuggles in penalties thriller vs SwitzerlandBUKAYO SAKA showed huge courage as he dug England out of a hole and through on penalties against Switzerland, writes Tom Barclay.The Three Lions looked to be going out when Breel Embolo had put Swiss ahead on 75 minutes.But Arsenal star Saka dragged England back into five minutes later with a stunning effort off the post.To penalties it went – just like it did between these two sides five years ago in the Nations League.And just like back then, Jordan Pickford made a save – repelling the Swiss’s first effort from Manuel Akanji.England were perfect from then on, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellignam, Saka, Ivan Toney and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold sending the Three Lions into the semi-final.Here’s how the players rated…Jordan Pickford: 7Had his heart in his mouth when Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner deep into extra-time hit the post and bar, but then pulled off a smart stop to take it to penalties.Saved Manuel Akanji’s first spot-kick by diving low to his left.Kyle Walker: 6Spent most of the game on the right side of a three which meant he could not get forward. Embolo got in front of him for Switzerland’s opener. Won the toss so the penalties were taken in front of the England fans.John Stones: 6Crisper passing in the first half, much better than his sloppy Slovakia display, but his deflection on Dan Ndoye’s cross diverted it to Embolo.Ezri Konsa: 6Was decent in the first half of his maiden start at a major tournament but, like the rest of the team, went into his shell after the break.Kieran Trippier: 6Had been expected to play right wing-back but was once again on the left.Solid defensively but, as has been the case throughout the tournament, offered little going forward on his unnatural side.Declan Rice: 7Anticipated, and subsequently, won a number of 50-50s at the base of England’s midfield.It was his decoy run that opened up the space for Saka to find the corner, before his 25-yard wonderstrike was denied by a flying Yann Sommer save in extra-time.Kobbie Mainoo: 6Some decent drives forward from midfield. Looked as if he would fire home an opener just before the break afterBukayo Saka’s nice cutback, but was denied by Granit Xhaka’s excellent block.Bukayo Saka: 8 and STAR MANDid not play at left wing-back as expected, but was England’s most dangerous attacking player throughout – and none more so when he came to the rescue with his 80th-minute leveller which flew in off the post.Showed huge courage in the shoot-out as he stroked home his penalty beautifully, three years on from missing in the last Euros final.Jude Bellingham: 6Produced a few graceful dribbles which showcased his quality in the first half but pretty quiet.Looked knackered but showed big cojones with his low penalty.Phil Foden: 6Admitted before the game that his central role would suit him better and it seemed to in the first 20 minutes, but faded after that.Harry Kane: 4This system just does not suit him. He needs runners, but does not look like he is going to get them.Just could not get into the game and was subbed out of it in extra-time, seconds after he was sent crashing into his manager on the touchline.SUBSCole Palmer (for Konsa, 78): 7One of three players to come on in reaction to Switzerland’s opener – why did it take so long, Gareth? Dispatched England’s first spot-kick with aplomb.Luke Shaw (for Trippier, 78): 6First minutes of football since February, slotting in on the left side of back three as Southgate went for broke.Eberechi Eze (for Mainoo, 78): 6Carved out a nice bit of space for himself in the dying moments but fired wide.Ivan Toney (For Kane, 109): 7It was no surprise to see him come with the prospect of penalties on the horizon – what was more of a shock was that it was for spot-kick maestro Kane. Was knocked over in the box right at the end of extra-time, but nothing was given. Confident penalty.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Foden, 115): 7Thrown on late into extra-time. Belted home his spot-kick to win it.Gareth Southgate: 4The adjusted back three system worked to a certain extent, but still the approach looked to be to keep it tight and rely on a moment of magic.Saka provided that for the leveller, but given the talent at his disposal, it seemed very limited.Took an age to make a change – prompted only by Switzerland going ahead. But got his subs right when it came to the penalty shoot-out.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

GARETH SOUTHGATE is targeting his second successive European Championship final as England prepare to face Netherlands on Wednesday.The Three Lions scraped through a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland at the weekend.England will face Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finalsCredit: AFPThe Three Lions reached the final at Euro 2020 but lost out to ItalyCredit: GettyCole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold fired England to a 5-3 win on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Dusseldorf.But now Southgate and Co face their biggest challenge of the tournament so far – a semi-final clash with Netherlands.England can go into the match with some confidence having reached the last European Championship final three years ago.Meanwhile, Oranje have already surpassed 2021’s round-of-16 exit.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Netherlands suffered a shock Euro 2020 exit at the hands of Czech Republic, but bounced back the following year to go one step further at the World Cup in Qatar.England also reached the quarter-finals in 2022 before being knocked out by France.Should the Three Lions beat Ronald Koeman’s team on Wednesday, they will face either France or Spain in the Euro 2024 final.France have enjoyed a fantastic run of results at major tournaments in recent years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland have enjoyed an impressive record at major tournaments since Southgate took overGareth Southgate has led England at four major tournamentsCredit: GettyEngland player ratings: Saka the saviour for Three Lions but subbed Kane stuggles in penalties thriller vs SwitzerlandBUKAYO SAKA showed huge courage as he dug England out of a hole and through on penalties against Switzerland, writes Tom Barclay.The Three Lions looked to be going out when Breel Embolo had put Swiss ahead on 75 minutes.But Arsenal star Saka dragged England back into five minutes later with a stunning effort off the post.To penalties it went – just like it did between these two sides five years ago in the Nations League.And just like back then, Jordan Pickford made a save – repelling the Swiss’s first effort from Manuel Akanji.England were perfect from then on, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellignam, Saka, Ivan Toney and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold sending the Three Lions into the semi-final.Here’s how the players rated…Jordan Pickford: 7Had his heart in his mouth when Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner deep into extra-time hit the post and bar, but then pulled off a smart stop to take it to penalties.Saved Manuel Akanji’s first spot-kick by diving low to his left.Kyle Walker: 6Spent most of the game on the right side of a three which meant he could not get forward. Embolo got in front of him for Switzerland’s opener. Won the toss so the penalties were taken in front of the England fans.John Stones: 6Crisper passing in the first half, much better than his sloppy Slovakia display, but his deflection on Dan Ndoye’s cross diverted it to Embolo.Ezri Konsa: 6Was decent in the first half of his maiden start at a major tournament but, like the rest of the team, went into his shell after the break.Kieran Trippier: 6Had been expected to play right wing-back but was once again on the left.Solid defensively but, as has been the case throughout the tournament, offered little going forward on his unnatural side.Declan Rice: 7Anticipated, and subsequently, won a number of 50-50s at the base of England’s midfield.It was his decoy run that opened up the space for Saka to find the corner, before his 25-yard wonderstrike was denied by a flying Yann Sommer save in extra-time.Kobbie Mainoo: 6Some decent drives forward from midfield. Looked as if he would fire home an opener just before the break afterBukayo Saka’s nice cutback, but was denied by Granit Xhaka’s excellent block.Bukayo Saka: 8 and STAR MANDid not play at left wing-back as expected, but was England’s most dangerous attacking player throughout – and none more so when he came to the rescue with his 80th-minute leveller which flew in off the post.Showed huge courage in the shoot-out as he stroked home his penalty beautifully, three years on from missing in the last Euros final.Jude Bellingham: 6Produced a few graceful dribbles which showcased his quality in the first half but pretty quiet.Looked knackered but showed big cojones with his low penalty.Phil Foden: 6Admitted before the game that his central role would suit him better and it seemed to in the first 20 minutes, but faded after that.Harry Kane: 4This system just does not suit him. He needs runners, but does not look like he is going to get them.Just could not get into the game and was subbed out of it in extra-time, seconds after he was sent crashing into his manager on the touchline.SUBSCole Palmer (for Konsa, 78): 7One of three players to come on in reaction to Switzerland’s opener – why did it take so long, Gareth? Dispatched England’s first spot-kick with aplomb.Luke Shaw (for Trippier, 78): 6First minutes of football since February, slotting in on the left side of back three as Southgate went for broke.Eberechi Eze (for Mainoo, 78): 6Carved out a nice bit of space for himself in the dying moments but fired wide.Ivan Toney (For Kane, 109): 7It was no surprise to see him come with the prospect of penalties on the horizon – what was more of a shock was that it was for spot-kick maestro Kane. Was knocked over in the box right at the end of extra-time, but nothing was given. Confident penalty.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Foden, 115): 7Thrown on late into extra-time. Belted home his spot-kick to win it.Gareth Southgate: 4The adjusted back three system worked to a certain extent, but still the approach looked to be to keep it tight and rely on a moment of magic.Saka provided that for the leveller, but given the talent at his disposal, it seemed very limited.Took an age to make a change – prompted only by Switzerland going ahead. But got his subs right when it came to the penalty shoot-out.Les Bleus narrowly missed out on the World Cup title in 2022 after losing to Argentina on penalties in the final.But they became world champions four years earlier in Russia.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesThat was followed by a shock Euro 2020 last-16 defeat to Switzerland on penalties.Meanwhile, Spain last reached a major tournament final in 2012 – when they beat Italy 4-0 at the European Championship in Ukraine.Over the last six years they have reached the round-of-16 at two World Cups.La Roja also got to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 but lost out to eventual champions Italy.However, this time around they have arguably been the strongest team of the tournament .Spain are the only team left to have won every match so far.They have also beat some heavyweights along the way, including Croatia, Italy and Germany.France arguably have the best record of all England’s rivals having won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final in 2022Credit: APEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More