All of the hours spent studying the psychology of penalty shootouts, figuring out how to banish the demons, and removing the randomness paid off for Gareth Southgate, who lives to fight a further day after yet another act of escapology by England.
Bukayo Saka made a heroic contribution, scoring a late equalizer after Breel Embolo’s opener for Switzerland, and the winger experienced a moment of catharsis when he blanked out his miss versus Italy at Euro 2020 and nailed the spot-kick in the shootout. At that point, Switzerland trailed after Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanki’s kick, so England had to advance to the final four. Trent Alexander-Arnold finished it with the fifth and final kick, guaranteeing that this strange, illogical run would continue despite another uneven performance.
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England’s dramatic shootout win over Switzerland
Southgate was out on the pitch before kickoff, a proud figure who was still carrying out his duties and remembering to applaud those fans who had spent the summer calling for his removal.
England were already one lifeline down after their escape against Slovakia, and, for all the talk of Jude Bellingham-inspired turning points, there was some unease in seeing Southgate, who had spent the week in evaluation mode with Steve Holland, unveil a rejig that still had Kieran Trippier patrolling the left flank. Periods of English dominance would be diluted by bouts of nervousness. Konsa, earning his sixth cap, headed an errant cross away and blocked Embolo’s shot in the 25th minute. When Granit Xhaka threatened to break free after a clever pass, John Stones stepped in.
