England’s journey through major tournaments has often been marred by the heartbreak of penalty shootouts. However, the Three Lions have rewritten their history books with a triumphant penalty shootout victory against Switzerland, propelling them into the semifinals of Euro 2024. This win not only marks a significant achievement for the team but also showcases their growth and resilience under the leadership of Gareth Southgate.
Overcoming Penalty Shootout Agony
The memories of England’s past penalty shootout disappointments were laid to rest as they showcased composure and skill in Duesseldorf. With a flawless execution, England converted all five of their penalties. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford played a pivotal role, saving a crucial spot-kick from Manuel Akanji, which turned the tide in England’s favor.
This victory is a stark contrast to the painful experience England endured three years ago, losing the Euro 2020 final to Italy in a penalty shootout at Wembley. For Gareth Southgate, this win is particularly significant. As a player, Southgate experienced the anguish of missing a crucial penalty in the Euro 96 semifinal against Germany. Now, as a manager, he has overseen England’s transformation in penalty shootouts, winning three out of four under his guidance.
A Record of Success Under Southgate
Southgate’s meticulous approach has revolutionized England’s fortunes in penalty shootouts. England’s first-ever World Cup shootout victory against Colombia in 2018 paved the way for their semifinal appearance. The recent win over Switzerland marked only their second European Championship shootout victory, the first being against Spain in 1996. Additionally, England defeated Switzerland in a third-place playoff at the 2019 Nations League finals.
“We think we’ve got a good process. We’ve been in four, we’ve won three,” Southgate stated. “Of course, we got absolutely crucified for the one we lost and that’s always going to be the case because it is outcome-based. We refined that process a little bit. We have more regular penalty takers in the squad now than then and more that have been in shootouts.”
Young Lions Shine Bright
England’s penalty takers demonstrated remarkable poise and confidence, even in the absence of their captain, Harry Kane, who was substituted due to fatigue in extra time. The average age of the five takers was just over 23, each with a unique story of redemption and determination.
Bukayo Saka, who had kept England’s hopes alive with a stunning equalizer, redeemed himself after missing the decisive penalty in the Euro 2020 final. “You can fail once but you have a choice of whether or not you’re going to put yourself in that position again. I’m a guy that’s going to put myself in that position,” Saka expressed. “I believed in myself and when I saw the ball hit the net I was a very happy man.”
Ivan Toney, known for his penalty expertise, justified his selection by scoring a crucial penalty. Cole Palmer, yet to start a match in Germany, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had faced challenges earlier in the tournament, also converted their penalties with confidence. Jude Bellingham, cleared to play after a UEFA investigation into his celebration against Slovakia, added to the tally with a composed finish.
Southgate’s Attention to Detail
Southgate’s belief that penalties are not merely a lottery has been a driving force behind England’s success. Advocating for the use of sports psychologists, he has emphasized the importance of mental preparation and technique. Under his leadership, England’s players have received guidance on breathing techniques and optimal timing, ensuring they remain calm and focused during shootouts.
“It’s my responsibility but on a night like tonight it’s the players that deliver,” Southgate remarked. “What I want to do is take the pressure for them. They were so composed. The whole process was really calm.”
Pickford’s Penalty Heroics
Jordan Pickford’s role in England’s penalty success cannot be overstated. Known for his energetic demeanor, Pickford has consistently delivered under pressure. He has saved at least one penalty in every shootout he has faced. Even in the Euro 2020 final, Pickford saved two penalties, showcasing his reliability in critical moments.
Pickford’s meticulous preparation was evident as cameras captured his water bottle with detailed instructions on where to dive for each Swiss penalty taker. “The goalkeeper will always make at least one save, so that gives us another chance,” Southgate noted.
Looking Ahead
With this monumental victory, England moves on to the semifinals of Euro 2024, brimming with confidence and determination. The team’s newfound success in penalty shootouts, coupled with Southgate’s strategic approach and the youthful exuberance of his squad, positions them as strong contenders for the title. As England prepares for the next challenge, the nation eagerly anticipates the possibility of bringing home a major international trophy.
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