After falling behind against Switzerland, Bukayo Saka leveled the game and saw the Three Lions through 120 minutes of football and into the drama of a shootout.
While England’s performance had been unconvincing at best, their penalty shootout was anything but as they converted five out of five spot kicks with relative ease.
Having won just two of their nine penalty shootouts in major tournaments, it was always going to be a nervy moment, but a confident display meant that Gareth Southgate‘s side have now won two of their last three shootouts in major competitions under his tutelage.
As a result of securing their spot in the last four, England’s players and fans were keen to revel in their success.
After four successful penalties, Trent Alexander-Arnold lashed the winning spot kick into the top corner of the net, leading his England teammates to sprint towards him in celebration.
The Liverpool star enjoyed the winning feeling, while Jude Bellingham cupped his ears after converting his penalty.
Southgate enjoyed the moment, too, as he slumped to his knees and celebrated wildly after the winning kick.
The England players then celebrated on the pitch, before joining supporters for a rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’.
Fans were also hailing England’s progression to the semi-finals on social media.
Pure emotion from the gaffer 🎥🏴#Euro2024 | #ENGSUI pic.twitter.com/zfbTeUVF2P
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 6, 2024
Piers Morgan wrote: “England’s hero, Bukayo Saka,” with a picture of the Arsenal star. “BOOOOOOM! Never in doubt… what a great set of penalties. Well done England.”
Actor and social media sensation Ross Kemp was loving what he saw as he shared a series of trademark videos, one of which was titled: “Saka! I love you!”
New Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, also enjoyed the result, writing: “Calm under pressure. Brilliant win England.”
Well done boys @England onto the semi-final! 🏴⚽️ #ENGSUI pic.twitter.com/fCdmzgejZw
— Ross Kemp (@RossKemp) July 6, 2024
The news also sparked quite a reaction at Wimbledon, with Centre Court erupting as news of the penalty shootout win filtered through.
England will now face either Turkey or the Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.