England's Euro 2024 semi-final opponents confirmed
07/06/2024 04:54 PM
England will play the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals after the Three Lions beat Switzerland on penalties and the Dutch scraped past Turkey.
Despite not playing anywhere near their best, Gareth Southgate’s side produced a slightly improved performance against Switzerland, who knocked out defending champions Italy in the last round.
England were the better team in the first half, controlling possession and moving into dangerous areas despite failing to create many clear-cut chances.
That trend continued in the second half until Switzerland began to assert their dominance and took the lead in the 75th minute through Breel Embolo’s tap-in at the back post.
England supporters were undoubtedly fearing the worse at that point but it took Southgate’s men less than five minutes to equalise, Bukayo Saka cutting it and rifling home from the edge of the box.
Penalties were required after the score remained 1-1 after extra-time and England were immaculate in the shootout, converting all five spot-kicks and progressing after Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s effort.
Who are England’s semi-final opponents?
England’s quarter-final was the first to be played on this side of the draw so Southgate’s side were initially unaware of their semi-final opponents.
The Netherlands played Turkey in the last Euro 2024 quarter-final and the Dutch won 2-1 in Berlin to set up an intriguing semi-final meeting with England.
Ronald Koeman’s side did not have it all their own way and had to come from behind after Samet Akaydin gave Turkey the lead on 35 minutes.
But the Netherlands scored twice in six second-half minutes through Stefan de Vrij and a Mert Muldur own goal to complete the turnaround.
The Netherlands eased past Romania in the last-16 after only reaching the knockout stages as one of the best third-place teams.
They amassed four points from three Group D games against Poland, Austria and fellow semi-finalists France.
The Netherlands kick-started their Euros campaign with a 2-1 win over Poland before playing out a goalless draw with France and then losing 2-1 to Austria.
More to follow…
