Euro 2024

ENGLAND’S perfect set of penalties was no accident, according to their players and staff.The five from five record was the result of careful practice, mental preparation and the help of a former top Dutch striker.Bellingham’s stuttered run up saw his back foot go completely flat on the approachCredit: RexBellingham credited Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink with helping the England squad prepare for their pensCredit: PASpeaking after England’s dramatic quarter-final win, Jude Bellingham pinpointed the influence of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for helping England’s spot-kick stars set up a semi with the Netherlands.Former Chelsea and Leeds star Hasselbaink, 52, joined Gareth Southgate’s backroom staff as an assistant coach in March last year.The 23-cap Holland striker, who was a lethal finisher in his day, played a key role in preparing England’s takers in Saturday’s shoot-out victory over the Swiss – teeing up a last-four clash with his nation.Bellingham, who stroked home the second of England’s five perfect penalties, told 5 Live: “I was really confident in my preparation and the things I’d talked through with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“He’s stepped up for us massively.“It’s the work he does behind closed doors with the lads willing to take on that information that put us in those situations to be able to win.”Southgate spoke glowingly after the game of his five takers – Cole Palmer, Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold – as well as goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who saved Switzerland’s first spot-kick from Manuel Akanji, despite not being able to follow his “usual process”.All of England’s quintet of takers finished with aplomb as the Three Lions showed their practice and preparation had paid off.Most read in Euro 2024Palmer opened the scoring for EnglandCredit: PAAnd Saka showed nerves of steel as he converted England’s third and banished his nerves of yesteryearCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPalmer, fresh off the back of scoring ten penalties in ten for Chelsea nonchalantly struck the ball into the net to open before Bellingham’s stuttered run up sent the keeper the wrong way for his.Saka, who was England’s brightest spark in normal and added time then bravely dispatched England’s third, banishing the painful memories of his miss in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.Toney’s fourth then stunned everyone as he took a no-look penalty in which he did not break eye contact with the Swiss keeper.The Brentford striker utilised his trademark two-step run up – which it was revealed he honed last summer with a coach in the US.Quick-thinking England hero Jordan Pickford was forced to change penalty shootout routine at last minute vs SwitzerlandBob Jeffrey, a goalkeeping director at Tennessee Soccer Club revealed the two honed a technique that saw Toney practice from 13 yards rather than 12.Speaking to The Times, Jeffrey explained: “[His training] was fascinating to watch.”Because in practice he takes them from 13 yards, not 12 yards.“I asked him: ‘Ivan, why are you taking them from 13 yards?’ He said, ‘Well, when it comes to a game, and I take them from 12 yards, the goal looks bigger.’”He added that Toney piles pressure on himself in training to help him prepare for the big moments and said: “But the thing that impressed me most was the detail in everything [Toney] did. He never went through the motions. It was like every single shot was to win the World Cup.”The crucial final penalty fell to Trent Alexander-Arnold, on as a sub in the 115th minute purely to take a pen, to finish it off for England.Alexander-Arnold’s strike looked like one of his free-kicks, whipped across his body into the top left corner.The full-back said the secret to England’s success was the fact that so many of their takers are also designated takers for their clubs, making them immune to pressure when it comes to stepping up for England.He said: “A lot of practice goes into that moment. When the gaffer tells me I am taking one, my belly does not drop. I enjoy it. I practise it. I knew what spot I just needed to execute it.”Southgate highlighted the role back-up goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson, as well as training stopper Tom Heaton, for helping prepare the team for the pressure-cooker situation of a shootout.Toney did not look at the ball as he sent the keeper the wrong wayCredit: AlamyAnd Trent whipped the ball into the top cornerCredit: GettyBellingham, 21, echoed those comments by saying: “This is a massive team effort.“Dean Henderson, Aaron Ramsdale and Tom Heaton, who have been with us this camp, have been huge in helping us practise the penalties.“They won’t get the credit they deserve but essentially if they don’t put in the right effort we don’t get to practise properly.“And in those moments you don’t have the right practice to go out and execute.“There is so much that goes into it now. You are always trying to find the edge in every game.”Speaking after the game, Pickford revealed his usual penalty routine had been interrupted.He said: “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.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.”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.”Images also emerged of Pickford’s extensive list of data showing where all 26 players in the Swiss squad like to put their pens.Tellingly, one of the instructions was “Akanji, dive left” which the 30-year-old did to crucially deny the Swiss the first penalty.Bellingham also revealed how the “awful memories” of England penalties of yesteryear also contributed to his motivation in the shoot-out.The midfielder said: “It’s a first for me to be involved in one, to take one.“I have awful memories kind of growing up and I think the first Euro that I was really interested in was the one against Italy [Euro 2012] with the dink from [Andrea] Pirlo.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It kind of stains your memory a little bit, you always think ‘England in penalty shoot-outs, I’m not sure’, but it’s really nice to have that experience to add to the locker now.”England’s perfect shootout sets up a tantalising encounter with Holland in the semi-finals of the Euros on Wednesday. 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

GARETH SOUTHGATE hit back at a journalist after being left stunned by his comment.The Three Lions booked their place in the Euro 2024 semi-final after beating Switzerland on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra-time.Gareth Southgate hit back at a journalist during a press conference after England’s win over SwitzerlandSouthgate appeared mystified by the questionThey beat Slovakia, ranked 45th in the world, in the round of 16 and won their group containing Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia.A German journalist suggested The Three Lions have benefited from an easy run on the way to the semi-final, a claim Southgate objected to.Looking visibly shocked, he hit back saying: “Look, the teams we’ve played are because we won our group. If you go back through history, England had different routes to the final because we didn’t win our group.”I understand of course, you’d rather not have to jump the Grand National to win the tournament.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″Most teams, when you have back-to-back games, two, three, four games against big nations the margins are so fine and then those games end up quite even – you win one, you lose one, so it’s very tough to go through those processes.”I’m not really sure what to say, it’s the madness of this job, but it’s been an enjoyable night and I will try to keep it that way.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland 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.England won their group in Euro 2020 and progressed to the final after beating Germany, Ukraine and Denmark in the knock-out rounds.Southgate also challenged the journalist on his claim England beat a “poor” Germany team.Most read in Euro 2024The Three Lions boss interrupted the reporter mid-question and asked: “A poor German team? It had about eight Champions League winners in.”When the journalist pressed on, Southgate reiterated: “Yeah, but I am saying they had about eight Champions League winners in that squad.”Germany had seven Champions League winners in their starting line-up, with two more featuring from the bench.Germany’s team that faced England at Euro 2020 (L-R): Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, Antonio Rudiger, Leon Goretzka, Mats Hummels, Matthias Ginter, Kai Havertz, Joshua Kimmich, Robin Gosen, Thomas Muller, Timo WernerCredit: GettyGareth Southgate calls ‘fearless’ England star ‘an old man’ as he praises his players for penalty heroics vs SwitzerlandEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYHowever England benefitted from an easier run at the 2018 World Cup after finishing second behind Belgium in their group.Southgate’s side beat Colombia and Sweden in Russia in the knock-out stages before setting up a meeting with Croatia in the semi-finals, while Belgium played eventual winners France at the same stage. 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JADON SANCHO wrote a heartfelt message to Bukayo Saka after his star performance for England last night.Saka was Man of the Match after spearheading their victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the Euros.Saka scored England’s third penalty in their shootout victory last nightCredit: GettyHe then cupped his hands to his ears in celebrationCredit: GettySancho posted a heartfelt message to Saka after the gameCredit: InstagramHis brilliant strike after 80 minutes ensured the match went to extra time and then penalties.And he was one of five England penalty takers that all scored as England went on to win the shootout 5-3 over Switzerland.The Arsenal winger took England’s third penalty, slotting it cooly into the inside of the side netting as England went on to win the shootout.Saka was one of three players, along with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford who missed penalties in the shootout of the Euro 2020 final against Italy, which led to vile racist abuse.READ MORE ON EURO 2024His penalty yesterday was the first he had taken for his country since then.Saka gave a heartwarming interview after the win, while also addressing the vile backlash he had received after England’s last Euros shootout.He said: “The last time we went to penalties we all know what happened.“You can fail once but you have a choice whether you put yourself in that position again or not. I’m a guy who is going to put myself in that position. I believed in myself.Most read in Euro 2024Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were subbed on to take penalties against Italy in the Euro 2020 finalCredit: APSaka then reposted Sancho’s messageCredit: InstagramCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland 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.“To come back from something like that was really difficult but I used it to make me stronger.“We know there are two more games until we can change our lives and make some history that’s never been made before. We’re really focused on that.”Bukayo Saka reacts to England’s penalty shootout victory over SwitzerlandManchester United winger Sancho took to Instagram to praise Saka for his performance, and wrote: “I’m so proud of this guy @bukayosaka87! You did it for me and Marcus brother!”Saka reposted the message to his own Instagram story, and added the caption: “My boys.”The England star’s performance saw him win the official Man of the Match trophy and he was praised by the BBC’s pundits after the game.Kane hails SakaFrom TOM BARCLAY in DusseldorfHARRY KANE knew there would be no spot-kick scars holding Bukayo Saka back against Switzerland because of the Arsenal star’s elite mentality.Kane was blown away by Saka, not only from his penalty heroics but for his all-round display in an adjusted wing-back role.It was Saka who forced extra-time after his late wonderstrike chalked off Breel Embolo’s opener, while he was England’s biggest threat throughout the 120 minutes.Captain Kane, 30, said: “What a performance. The whole game.“Playing in a position that he’s played before but that he’s not used to playing.“He was our real outlet with the ball, he caused them problems all game.“He got the goal he fully deserved with a fantastic finish, got us back in the game when we needed it most.“Then without the ball as well, the work he put in, the shift he put in. The blocks, the tackles, right up until the 120th-minute.“And then to step up the way he did. I know the mentality he’s got and I knew he’d be comfortable at that situation even though what happened in the past.“He prepares really well for moments like that. A fantastic night for him and he deserved it.”Rio Ferdinand said: “Everything about him just comes off as so positive. You can’t help but love him not only for his football but his personality and his character.”I’d go as far to say that he’s England’s most important player because he’s so different to everybody else. He’s the one that will run at people and beat them one on one and go in behind.While Gary Lineker said after watching Saka’s interview: “What a wonderful young man. He is so likeable and so brilliant.”Saka’s goal yesterday made him Arsenal’s highest ever goalscorer for England, with the player having bagged 12 goals for the Three Lions.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

BUKAYO SAKA’S proud girlfriend Tolami Benson posed with his Player of the Match trophy after England’s win over Switzerland.The Three Lions progressed to the Euro 2024 semi-final after winning 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra-time.Bukayo Saka celebrated England’s win with girlfriend Tolami BensonCredit: PATolami posed with the winger’s Player of the Match trophyCredit: InstagramTolami Benson aimed a kiss at Bukayo Saka’s trophyCredit: InstagramSaka scored from the spot to remedy his miss in the Euro 2020 final, and curled in England’s equaliser in the 80th minute.He was a thorn in Switzerland’s side throughout despite playing in a less familiar right wing-back role and his performance was rewarded with the Player of the Match award.Saka celebrated the huge victory in the stands with his partner Tolami, giving her a hug.The Arsenal star also presented her with his award, and Tolami took to Instagram to pose with the gong.READ MORE ON EURO 2024In one snap she aimed a kiss at the trophy as she captioned the post: “My baby’s baby 🏆”All five of England’s takers converted to make it a perfect set of pens and Saka was asked about exorcising his Wembley demons.He said: “It’s something I embrace. It was special, very special, how we fought back. The last time we went to penalties we all know what happened.“You can fail once but you have a choice whether you put yourself in that position again or not. I’m a guy who is going to put myself in that position. I believed in myself.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSI 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.“To come back from something like that was really difficult but I used it to make me stronger.“We know there are two more games until we can change our lives and make some history that’s never been made before. We’re really focused on that.“Hopefully in the next game we can win in 90 minutes. But if this is what it takes we will do anything.”Tolami Benson wears an England kit to cheer on Bukayo Saka against SlovakiaCredit: GettyTolami Benson sizzles in a bikini as she relaxes on holiday in the BahamasCredit: InstagramThe Sun’s Charlie Wyett England review as ‘lucky’ Three Lions squeak by Switzerland in dramatic penalty shootout More

GARETH SOUTHGATE changed the system but he now needs to start switching his players.And that not only means for his starting XI for the semi-final in Dortmund on Wednesday but also, during the match itself.England made it through to the semi-finals with a new formation against SwitzerlandCredit: GettyGareth Southgate still waited until late on to make substitutionsCredit: PANot for the first time, Southgate nearly paid the price for his bloody-minded refusal to react with substitutions and you have to wonder if he is ever going to learn.Probably not.Equally, at least the England manager reverted to a three-man defence which served him well at the World Cup in 2018 and on occasions, ­during Euro 2020.Kyle Walker, John Stones and Ezri Konsa generally did well at the back with Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka the wing-backs.READ MORE ON ENGLANDBut England still had a complete lack of balance as they had Trippier, a right-footer on the left, and Saka, a left-footer on the right.It made no sense whatsoever.Southgate will have his reasons but it was still a case of putting a square peg into a round hole.Although Saka was England’s most dangerous player for long periods, not for the first time, playing Trippier on the left simply did not work.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland 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.And this is why Luke Shaw, if fit, simply HAS to start the semi-final.He came into the left side of the three-man defence when Southgate finally made his changes in the 78th minute — and that was only after his team had conceded.BBC pundit comes dressed as Gareth Southgate for England’s Euro 2024 clash against SwitzerlandWithin a minute of the Manchester United defender arriving on the pitch, England had levelled through Saka’s superb strike.And considering he had not played for five months, Shaw did well at the back despite those chaotic moments in the second period of extra-time when Southgate’s team could easily have conceded.Playing his first game for exactly 139 days, Shaw looked cool and calm in possession.It would be a huge benefit to the team to have him playing out on the left as a wing-back — or just as full-back — if Southgate reverts to a flat back four.Konsa did well in only his sixth England appearance but the Aston Villa man was partly to blame for the Swiss goal.Southgate nearly paid the price for his bloody-minded refusal to react with substitutions and you have to wonder if he is ever going to learn. Probably not.Charlie WyettAnd his lack of experience showed on a few occasions in the second half as he was hesitant.Marc Guehi is not exactly an upgrade in terms of international experience but the Crystal Palace defender has been one of England’s better players out here in Germany.He will come back into the team and playing in a back three should suit him.Although England sometimes reverted to a back four during periods of the game, the original formation change also meant Phil Foden played in a more central role.Before the game, Foden admitted he preferred this position.He looked much happier and was far busier — even if he still failed to deliver the type of explosive form which we saw for Manchester City last term.Foden was the Premier League’s Player of the Season and has to start showing it at Euro 2024.The only negative in the system change was that it meant Jude Bellingham played wider to the left.Despite a bright start, the Real Madrid man faded and in the end, he was blowing out of his backside.Even so, his spot-kick — like all of England’s — was just sensational.So, the Three Lions are through by the skin of their teeth and maybe their name is written on the trophy.Southgate is actually England’s second most successful manager behind 1966 World Cup-winning boss Alf Ramsey — even if it still does not feel like it today.In his eight years as manager his England team have won eight knockout games.Before Southgate took charge, England had won six in half a ­century.This is the most sustained period of success in the history of the men’s England football team.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat will count for nothing if they fail to reach their first ever major final on foreign soil.Ultimately, though, Southgate will only be celebrated as a true success if England — despite being rubbish for most of this tournament — come home with the trophy.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. More