England are through to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after managing to see off Switzerland with the aid of a penalty shootout in Dusseldorf.
Gareth Southgate’s side came into the tournament with big expectations but have been pretty underwhelming so far.
A drab group stage campaign was followed up by needing a last-gasp equaliser and extra time to beat Slovakia.
Saturday’s clash with Switzerland saw a slight improvement, but England still fell behind as Breel Embolo scored from close range.
Bukayo Saka hauled England level with a superb drive before the game headed into the dreaded penalty shootout.
England were calm and composed though with all five penalty takers – Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold – finding the net.
Jordan Pickford’s save from Manuel Akanji proved to be enough for England to advance, teeing up a semi-final clash with the Netherlands.
Declan Rice message to Jude Bellingham
England have not met expectations so far this summer – not even close.
The approach play has been so pedestrian and too many high-profile players have flattered to deceive.
Still, England find themselves just one game away from the final and Southgate will be desperate to beat the Netherlands in Dortmund.
The midfield battle will be as crucial as ever and England have two superstars to call upon in Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
Rice and Bellingham are still seeking their best form but the pair will be vital to any England success.
Bellingham has taken to Instagram after Saturday’s victory, posting an eight-word message to the England faithful.
“Nothing worth having comes easy. On we go!” said Bellingham, already looking ahead to that clash with the Netherlands.
Arsenal star Rice responded with just one word – ‘Belief’.
That seemingly sums up how England feel right now, believing in themselves to get the job done even if many back home don’t have that same faith.
Rice came so close to winning the Premier League title with Arsenal but came up just short against Manchester City.
Rice and his teammates – such as fellow England star Bukayo Saka – had real belief in that title push but couldn’t quite get there.
Perhaps missing out in such narrow fashion will really drive Rice on to succeed in Euro 2024, especially in such crunch games late in the tournament.
Bellingham certainly knows what it takes to win big trophies having won La Liga and the Champions League this past season.
The mentality seems to be present in the England ranks and even if fans don’t seem convinced, Bellingham and Rice are remaining confident in the final week of the competition.
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