England’s gripping penalty shootout win against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-final had fans on the edge of their seats. The Three Lions moved on to the semi-finals after converting all five spot kicks, thanks to Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Jordan Pickford’s crucial save against Manuel Akanji sealed a 5-3 triumph.
Gary Lineker’s Emotional Reaction
Gary Lineker, the beloved football commentator and former England striker, revealed on The Rest Is Football podcast that two of England’s penalty takers nearly brought him to tears. These moments were especially poignant for Lineker, each carrying a deep personal significance.
Bukayo Saka’s Redemption
Bukayo Saka’s penalty, the third in the shootout, struck a deep emotional chord with Lineker. He drew a parallel between Saka’s moment and the redemption story of his former teammate Stuart Pearce. Pearce famously missed a crucial penalty in the 1990 World Cup but redeemed himself by scoring in a vital shootout against Spain in Euro 1996. Reflecting on this, Lineker shared,
“I cried on that occasion, I was sitting in the crowd, crying tears of joy.”
Lineker’s emotions were stirred as he recalled Saka’s journey, especially after his missed penalty in the Euro 2020 final.
“To come back from that, as a young lad, and score a brilliant goal to level us almost immediately after substitutions… he’s amazing,”
Lineker said.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Resilience
The second moment that moved Lineker was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decisive fifth penalty. Lineker empathized with Alexander-Arnold, who faced criticism after being moved to a central midfield position. Despite these challenges, Alexander-Arnold displayed remarkable resilience and skill, ultimately securing the win for England. Lineker expressed,
“I was so pleased for him that he came on and then scored the winning penalty. He’s such an unbelievably brilliant footballer.”
England’s Semi-Final Challenge Ahead
While England’s victory over Switzerland was a significant milestone, the team now faces an even tougher challenge in the semi-finals. Gareth Southgate’s squad will confront the Netherlands, a formidable adversary, with a place in the final in Berlin at stake. Despite ongoing debates about Southgate’s management strategies, England is preparing for their third semi-final in the last four major tournaments.
England’s triumph over Switzerland was more than just a win; it was an emotional journey for fans and players alike. Gary Lineker’s heartfelt reflections underscore the personal and collective significance of this victory, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated semi-final clash against the Netherlands.