Euro 2024

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

HOLLYWOOD icons Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman gatecrashed a Spanish live Euro 2024 broadcast. The Wrexham boss and Aussie actor also confirmed who they are backing to win the European Championship.Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman gatecrashed a Spanish live Euro 2024 broadcastCredit: rtveThe Hollywood stars are currently on a Press Tour for their upcoming film ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’Credit: rtveThe Australian actor and Wrexham co-owner also revealed who they are backing to win the EurosCredit: rtveIn a bizarre moment, Spanish viewers were treated to a guest appearance from the actors who are currently on a Press Tour to promote their new film ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ which premieres later this month.The pair burst onto the Spanish broadcaster RTVE set in Berlin cheering “Ole, Ole, Ole”.And when asked to introduce themselves Reynolds said he was fellow actor “Ryan Gosling” while Jackman joked he was the late Playboy founder “Hugh Hefner”.Jackman, 55, then went on to say the reason he was in Germany was because he was called up last minute to play for Gareth Southgate’s England squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “If you don’t know I have a British passport and I have been called in now. “As everyone knows England are in the semi-final and they want a bit of height. So they need me. I am going to play a little bit.”Then both were questioned on who they were supporting in the tournament to which the Australian actor quickly said “England”.But to everyone’s surprise, Reynolds who co-owns Wrexham with Rob McElhenney and has just witnessed his side secure back-to-back promotions to League One confirmed he was backing “Spain”.Most read in FootballI 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.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReynolds said: “I am supporting Spain all the way 110%. All the way sir. I am nothing if not patronising.”I am very excited for Spain when you talk to people who have been following.Trent Alexander-Arnold puts England into Euro 2024 semi finals with brilliant final penalty in shootout vs Switzerland”This is big this is a huge deal for them. Some people did not expect it.To which the host interrupted with “We did.”After beating hosts Germany 2-1 in the quarter-final in Stuttgart on Friday Luis de la Fuente’s side will now face neighbours France in the semi-final on Tuesday.Meanwhile, the Three Lions scrapped another win in the championship after beating Switzerland 5-3 on penalties.England will take on the Netherlands on Wednesday night after they beat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

LUKE SHAW was hailed for his “classy” gesture after England’s penalty triumph over Switzerland.The Three Lions will face Netherlands in the semi-final of Euro 2024 on Wednesday after Saturday’s triumph over the Swiss.Luke Shaw was hailed for his classy gesture after the win over SwitzerlandCredit: ReutersThe star turned straight to the Swiss players after the shootout victoryCredit: APTrent Alexander-Arnold scored the crucial kick to win it for the Three LionsCredit: GettyHis team-mates raced off to celebrate as Saka raised his hands to the sky and Shaw offered his sympathies to the SwissCredit: AlamyBreel Embolo looked to have won it for Switzerland when he broke the deadlock with just 15 minutes left.But Bukayo Saka’s brilliant effort levelled to send the game to extra-time, where neither team managed another breakthrough.Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s spot-kick before Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, and Ivan Toney all converted.That left Trent Alexander-Arnold to step up to win it, and the Liverpool star made no mistake in securing a 5-3 shootout win.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile he raced off and was soon mobbed by his team-mates in celebration, it was another full-back who some eagle-eyed supporters were impressed with.The 28-year-old Shaw had been unable to feature throughout the Euros due to his injury recovery until he came off the bench on 78 minutes against the Swiss.And while the rest of the squad chased towards Alexander-Arnold and Pickford on Saturday at the conclusion of the penalties, Shaw instantly turned to their opponents to console them.Images of the scene quickly circulated on social media, with one fan account writing: “Luke Shaw immediately went to console the Switzerland players after Trent’s penalty kick. Class.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile Saka, who missed a penalty as Italy beat England in the final of Euro 2020 on spot-kicks, raised his hands to the heavens to give thanks for the victory.On seeing the huge mix of emotions, another supporter wrote: “I adore this image. The joy, yes.Trent Alexander-Arnold puts England into Euro 2024 semi finals with brilliant final penalty in shootout vs Switzerland“That was me, in the moment. But also the silent relief and prayer from Saka.“And then Luke Shaw, quietly off to shake hands with the Swiss. That’s pretty damn classy.”England boss Gareth Southgate has now guided our boys to three shootout wins out of four while he has been in charge.England’s five-point penalty shootout planEXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR “It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP”Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”3. DICTATE AS A TEAM”A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES “Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT  “Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.”And it is also the third time that he has guided the Three Lions into a semi-final at a major tournament.He celebrated emphatically in front of the delighted fans in the stands on Saturday and said afterwards: “Every now and then you think surely there has to be some enjoyment in this job.“If I can’t enjoy that moment, then the whole thing is a waste of time.“I took this job to help. I can’t deny when it’s as personal as it’s been in recent weeks…But we’re still fighting.”He added: “We showed unbelievable qualities of character and resilience. You have to find ways to win and dealing with everything around them.”England are now preparing to face Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday for a place in the final.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Dutch came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday to seal their place in the last-four.The winner of that semi will face either Spain or France, who play tomorrow, in Sunday’s final.England’s penalty shootout recordTHE dreaded penalty shootout.England’s nemesis at no fewer than SEVEN major tournaments since 1990, from the West Germany heartache at Italia 90 to Wembley woes on the brink of Euro 2020 final glory.But two shootout victories before the Italy defeat give 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 4-3vs SWITZERLAND – Nations League third-place play-off, 09/06/2019 – WON 6-5Euro 2020 final vs ITALY, 11/07/2021 – LOST 3-2OVERALL: Played 11, Won 3, Lost 8EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

GARY LINEKER has insisted that Jordan Pickford must DITCH his water bottle cheat sheet for the remainder of Euro 2024.The England goalkeeper saved Manuel Akanji’s spot-kick during the shootout win over Switzerland in the quarter-final.Jordan Pickford made a crucial save in England’s penalty shootout against SwitzerlandCredit: ReutersHis water bottle had a cheat sheet written on itCredit: GettyGary Lineker has urged Pickford to change up his tacticCredit: APThe Three Lions netted five penalties from five during the shootout as they sealed their spot in the semi-finals.After the victory it was spotted that Pickford had a cheat sheet on his bottle.The sheet had a list of all the Swiss players and where they were most likely to shoot.Akanji’s name had “dive left” next to it, which led to Pickford’s heroic save.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Lineker has now suggested that the Everton goalkeeper must change up his tactic.The retired footballer believes that future opponents may try to sneak a look at the sheet so they can change their penalty tactics.Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he said: “One player is going to look at that bottle.”If you are listening do it differently, do it on a different piece of paper or do it on the post.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPickford was hailed by fans after his heroics as they saw his attempts to put off Akanji.The goalkeeper could be seen staring dowing the Manchester City star with his eyes and mouth wide open.Quick-thinking England hero Jordan Pickford was forced to change penalty shootout routine at last minute vs SwitzerlandEngland’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 8He also claimed that he was unable to perform his “usual process” as he was stopped by referee Daniele Orsato.He told ITV: “Firstly, the referee didn’t let me do my usual process so I had to adapt tonight, I like to give the lads a ball for a bit of calm and focus.”I could only do it on the first one and luckily I saved it.”I trust my process and what I do and I’ll save one but massive respect to the lads they stepped up to score all five the way they did – huge credit.”Gareth Southgate’s eye for detail is one reason behind the penalty shootout success.He and his team went above and beyond to overcome what had become England’s hoodoo in major tournaments.Six years ago, a five-man penalty project team was established, including Chris Markham – the then game insights lead for The FA.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe reached out to Geir Jordet – a Norwegian sports psychologist who is a leading expert on spot kicks, dubbed ‘The Penalty Professor’.Markham and his team had read Jordet’s comprehensive book, Pressure: Lessons from the psychology of the penalty shootout, and were keen speak to him and get his insights.England’s five-point penalty shootout planEXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR “It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP”Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”3. DICTATE AS A TEAM”A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES “Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT  “Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More