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| Arsenal's Bukayo Saka stepped up when it matters the most for England as the 3Lions beat Switzerland on penalties to advance to the semifinal of the ongoing Euro Championship where they will play the Netherlands. (Photo credit: BBC) |
Bukayo Saka rose from the abyss of tragedy, through the inconsistencies of ex-internationals who now sit behind ring lights and Sky Sports microphones, through the weight of expectations to carry an entire nation on his back, and into the semifinals of the Euro Championship. He’s indeed the star boy.
England went into the quarterfinals of the ongoing European Nations Tournament in Germany with burdens; they had been underwhelming and needed a last-gasp leveler to send the game into extra time against Slovakia, followed by a header by Harry Kane to advance.
With an impressive 2-0 score, Switzerland easily defeated the reigning champions, setting up a clash that many had picked as favorites. It was yet another last-eight game for the Swiss, who had never gone past the stage at any senior tournament.
With Marc Guehi suspended, Gareth Southgate trusted Ezri Konsa to join the defense, tweaking his formation to allow Bukayo Saka to slot into the right wingback position and Keiran Trippier at the other end in a 3-4-2-1 formation, finally allowing Phil Foden to function in the hole alongside Jude Bellingham.
Switzerland kept things simple with no ambiguity, and they dominated the opening exchanges, forcing England to defend deep and creating mind-blowing chances. It was no surprise that the Swiss got their noses in front in the second half, once again sending England into panic.
Gareth Southgate rang changes; Ebere Eze slotted into the left wingback role; Cole Palmer joined the attack; and Luke Shaw made his first appearance at the tournament, with Trippier, Konsa, and Kobbie Mainoo making their way.
Saka skillfully maneuvered to the left from the right, unleashing a curler past Yann Sommer in the Swiss goal to level the score. As the game progressed into extra time, the two sides continued to maintain their lead.
Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji missed the opening penalty for Switzerland, and all England players converted theirs, including Saka, who left the gory incident of the last Euros behind to send Sommer the wrong way.
England advanced and will now play the Netherlands in the semifinals on Wednesday. Ronald Koeman's side came from a goal down to beat Turkey 2-1, thanks to goals from Stefan De Vrij and Liverpool's Cody Gakpo.