Euro 2024 Update: England And Netherlands Seal Semi-Final Spots

The penultimate stage of Euro 2024 sees England, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany advance, with the final slated for Berlin next Sunday. England's journey to the semi-finals was marked by a tense win over Switzerland, ending with a 1-1 draw and a 5-3 victory in the ensuing penalty shootout. Trent Alexander-Arnold netted the decisive penalty after Jordan Pickford saved a crucial attempt from Manuel Akanji.

England executed all their penalties successfully for just the second time in a major tournament shootout, a feat previously achieved against Spain in Euro 1996. Gareth Southgate's tenure has seen England reach the semi-finals of consecutive European Championships for the first time, an achievement contrasting sharply with their single semi-final in the European Championship history before his appointment.

Jude Bellingham, who nearly scored in extra-time, continues to shine, having accrued 34 caps for England—all with non-British clubs—a distinction shared by few. For Switzerland, their quarter-final curse persisted, adding to failures in the 1934, 1938, and 1954 World Cups, as well as Euro 2020 and 2024. Nonetheless, Breel Embolo stood out with his fifth major tournament goal, surpassed only by Xherdan Shaqiri and Josef Hugi in Swiss history.

The Netherlands move closer to reclaiming their stature after defeating Turkiye 2-1 to reach their first Euro semi-final since 2004. Engaging in high-scoring matches, the Oranje rank third in goals scored at Euro 2024. Defender Stefan de Vrij’s first goal since 2015 leveled the match. Cody Gakpo's role in forcing an own goal by Mert Muldur sealed the turnaround.

Turkiye’s campaign ended at the quarter-finals but still stands as their best since 2008. Teenage sensation Arda Guler excelled with two assists, joining an elite group of teenagers achieving multiple assists in a single tournament. Samet Akaydin's header marked Turkiye's fourth goal from defenders at Euro 2024, the highest at a single European Championship.

England's Persistent Struggles

Bukayo Saka contributed with an 80th-minute equalizer against Switzerland. This was his 11th international goal, placing him among Arsenal players who have scored for England in the Euros. However, England's persistent struggle to close matches in regular time remains evident. Eight of their last 11 knockout games have gone to extra-time dating back to Euro 96.

This win marked Southgate's 100th match as manager and underscored Pickford’s essential role; he has saved four of the 14 penalties faced in shootouts at major tournaments. This record far surpasses other England goalkeepers between 1990 and 2012.

Samet Akaydin became Turkiye's seventh different scorer at Euro 2024—a record for the country in major tournaments. His header also marked Turkiye's fourth goal from defenders at this championship.

The Netherlands' victory over Turkiye saw them benefit from an own-goal for the first time since Euro 2004. The Oranje are now third in goals scored at this year's tournament.

Breel Embolo’s performance was notable despite Switzerland’s continued quarter-final woes. His fifth major tournament goal places him behind only Xherdan Shaqiri and Josef Hugi in Swiss history.

As these teams prepare for their next challenges, fans eagerly await more thrilling moments on the road to Berlin next Sunday.