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 – if any – 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, set to make their final semi-final appearance since 2004, 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 games in Group D against Poland, Austria and fellow semi-finalists France.
After kick-starting their Euros campaign with a 2-1 win over Poland, the Netherlands played out a goalless draw with France and then lost 2-1 to Austria.
The Turkey victory means they have become just the second nation to finish third in a group and reach a European Championship semi-final, after eventual champions Portugal at Euro 2016.
When is England’s Euro 2024 semi-final?
England will meet the Netherlands in the Euros semi-final at 8pm on Wednesday night. The final takes place on Sunday.
The BVB Stadion in Dortmund hosts England’s semi-final.
What about the other side of the draw?
In the other side of the draw, France take on Spain in a mouth-watering semi-final clash at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
World Cup finalists France beat Portugal on penalties in a cagey quarter-final, while Spain knocked out Euro hosts Germany.
How did England react to reaching the semi-finals?
England boss Southgate said: ‘I am so proud of the players. I thought we played well. We had to defend extremely well as a team.
‘We caused them problems with the way we used the ball. We had a big threat with Bukayo down the right for the whole game.
‘We were happy with the performance and then you go behind and you have to show other characteristics. The players showed their resilience, desire and character and forced their way back into the game.
‘Extra-time could have gone either way and excellent composure to score all the penalties.’
Three Lions defender Ezri Konsa added: ‘It was a magical experience, something I dreamed about as a kid wanting to play in these kinds of games.
‘I’m grateful to the gaffer for putting me in and the main thing is we got the win today. A very emotional game but we managed to do it.
‘If we continue to show the spirit and the togetherness I’m sure we can go to the very end and win it all.’
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