England player ratings vs Switzerland: Jordan Pickford the penalty hero as star boy Bukayo Saka exorcises his shootout demons after superb showing in Euro 2024 quarter-final

Gareth Southgate’s side sneaked through to the semi-finals with a perfect performance from 12 yards in Dusseldorf

Of course it had to go to penalties, but this time England held their nerve and they are into the semi-finals of Euro 2024, beating Switzerland 5-3 in the shootout after a cagey 1-1 draw in Dusseldorf.

This was an improved England performance compared to their slog through the group stage and last 16, but there was still little spark in the areas that mattered, and after playing it safe they were punished when Breel Embolo nipped in at the far post to put the Swiss in front in the 75th minute.

England reacted quickly and moments after Southgate finally made some substitutions, Bukayo Saka levelled with a strike he had been threatening to pull off all game, cutting across the box onto his left foot and firing in off the post

England continued to play with caution in the extra period and had a real fright when Xherdan Shaqiri hit the woodwork straight from a corner and Silvan Widmer blazed over the bar.

Penalties throw up all sorts of awful memories for England, but Jordan Pickford got the Three Lions off to a fine start by palming away Manuel Akanji’s penalty, and his out-field team-mates were all spot-on, Trent Alexander-Arnold blasting in the final kick to send England into the final four.

GOAL rates England’s players from Merkur Spiel-Arena…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Jordan Pickford (6/10):

  Faced some simple shots and was equal to them, but couldn’t do anything about the goal. Improved his distribution, kicking long a lot less. Made a fine parry from Amdouni in extra-time and set the tone in the shootout with a big save from Akanji.

  Kyle Walker (4/10):

  Had a nervy start as he was put under pressure by Vargas. Settled in but still looked vulnerable to mistakes and was beaten to the ball by Embolo for Switzerland’s goal.

  John Stones (5/10):

  His distribution was shy and could have made a stronger block when Switzerland scored.

  Ezri Konsa (6/10):

  Seamlessly filled in for Guehi, making important blocks and headers and being proactive. Taken off for Shaw.

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    Midfield

    Bukayo Saka (9/10):

    Got more joy at wing-back than in his previous games, tormenting Aebischer from start to finish. Always England’s biggest threat and inevitable he’d be the one to score. Then he exorcised the ghost of Euro 2020 by calmly converting his penalty.

    Declan Rice (6/10):

    More dominant than in previous outings, his aggression leading to interceptions.

    Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):

    Showed his usual composure and bravery on the ball, leading to some promising runs, although he made the wrong decision each time.

    Kieran Trippier (5/10):

    Moving to wing-back didn’t lead to much improvement and he continued to slow England’s play down.

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      Attack

      Jude Bellingham (5/10):

      Had some good moments but let down by his final pass. Looked worn out for most of extra-time but still scored his penalty.

      Harry Kane (4/10):

      Did very little of note and far too static in the area, not helping Saka out. Booked in the second half and taken off in extra-time looking exhausted.

      Phil Foden (5/10):

      Played some good passes to Saka but still uninspiring on the whole.

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      Subs & Manager

      Eberechi Eze (6/10):

      Took the baton from Mainoo and showed good composure on the ball, apart from when he shanked one well wide.

      Cole Palmer (6/10):

      Gave England more presence down the left and did some probing although couldn’t make a tangible difference. Slotted his penalty with his usual swagger.

      Luke Shaw (6/10):

      Finally got on the pitch and showed no signs of being away for five months. A good sign for the semis.

      Ivan Toney (5/10):

      Replaced Kane in 109th minute, saw little of the ball. Was brought on to take a penalty and did exactly what was asked.

      Trent Alexander-Arnold (N/A):

      Got five minutes in extra-time and scored the decisive spot-kick.

      Gareth Southgate (5/10):

      Punished for not reacting to Yakin’s changes but Saka’s goal gave him another life. Too cagey in extra-time when he had to go for it, but once again he got away with it. That’s three major tournament semi-finals in four attempts.

      Source goal.com