England have advanced to the Euro 2024 semi-finals almost by stealth, producing another indifferent performance for long periods here, then going behind again before digging themselves out of a hole to win.
England’s performances in Germany may not have hit high standards but there is no doubting their resilience and capacity to overcome adversity, as they proved again after Switzerland went in front.
It was a particularly sweet moment for Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold to strike the decisive penalty, having been dropped from his experimental midfield role after their second game, against Denmark, then being overlooked when Southgate decided to use wing-backs.
England’s new three-at-the-back strategy looked more comfortable for the players but against the well-organised and confident Swiss, lacked threat just as much as Southgate’s previous plans.
As with Bellingham’s equaliser 86 seconds from the end of normal time against Slovakia, Saka’s shot to keep England alive was their first on target of the match.
England, ultimately, will not care as it was a case of job done but there is surely a limit to how often they can make life difficult for themselves before they get off the hook.
Saka’s goal was just reward for a man-of-the-match display, while Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa was impeccable in defence as deputy for suspended Marc Guehi.
Kobbie Mainoo also excelled in midfield but it remains a mystery why an England side so packed with attacking riches looks so impotent for so long – something Southgate will have to solve before their semi-final.
For now, however, England can celebrate living on their nerves but staying alive at Euro 2024 as Southgate leads them into the last four of a major tournament once more.
England’s penalty prowess on show
England manager Southgate was so confident in his collection of penalty takers that he felt able to remove captain and spot-kick expert Harry Kane from the fray with 11 minutes of extra time left.
Kane, who was off the pace throughout, had taken a heavy knock then fallen awkwardly into the dugout before Southgate sent on Toney.
Toney’s penalty expertise has been on show in the Premier League for Brentford, so when it came to penalties, Southgate had an impressive group to seal a semi-final place and the striker did not disappoint.
Palmer – labelled “Cool” Palmer for his nerveless approach from 12 yards at Chelsea – set England on their way before Bellingham, Saka, Arsenal’s penalty taker, and Toney set the stage for Alexander-Arnold’s thunderous finale.
For Saka, it was a moment of redemption after he had the final, decisive penalty saved at Wembley three years ago as Italy beat England to win the last European Championship final on spot-kicks.
It will give Southgate a feeling of security in these nail-biting situations to have those specialists to call on.
Kane a concern for Southgate
A miserable personal match for England captain Kane was capped when Southgate removed him from the action in extra time with this Euro 2024 quarter-final still finely balanced.
Kane looked nothing like his usual self against Switzerland, barely able to rise for a header and worryingly lacking in mobility for much of the game.
There was no shortage of effort but Kane, who has had a back injury, appeared jaded and struggled to make any impact – with his game then cut short following a painful fall that took him into Southgate in the technical area, with a tumble then into the dugout.
Southgate will still count on his captain for the semi-final but there was no question he was out of sorts here.
