Euro 2024: England, Netherlands scale quarterfinals, clash in semis
Gareth Southgate’s England once again proved doubters wrong and knocked out Switzerland, despite needing extra time and penalties to scale the hurdle. In the other quarterfinal match, Netherlands came back from behind to win against Turkey, cementing a place in the semis.
England had all its stars present, including Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and John Stones. Despite this, the Three Lions struggled, going behind in the 75th minute to Breel Embolo’s tap-in, then equalizing through Bukayo Saka with a wonder strike in the 80th minute.
Unfortunately, those were the only goals that were scored in regulation time – and in extra time – because the game went to penalties after a 1-1 scoreline on the 120-minute mark.
Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji has his spot kick saved by Jordan Pickford, giving space for England to win the shootout.
England scored all five penalties.
In the other quarterfinal game, Netherlands got a scare against Turkey, as Ronald Koeman’s men went behind in the 35th minute through a Samet Akaydin goal, but a towering header from Stefan De Vrij tied the game up in the 70th minute.
The Dutch did not wait long, as the ball was in the back of the Turkey goal for the second time on the night, but it was awarded as an own goal against Mert Muldur, not that the source of the goal would’ve mattered to Koeman.
These results mean that England will face Netherlands in the semifinal of the 2024 Euros.