The first half of the Euro 2024 clash between England and Switzerland was marked by early efforts from both sides but ultimately ended goalless. England started on the front foot, with Bukayo Saka caught offside in the seventh minute, setting the tone for a game of tight margins and near misses. Switzerland’s Breel Embolo had the first significant chance, but his right-footed shot from a difficult angle went wide in the tenth minute.
England responded with a series of attempts, notably Declan Rice’s blocked shot from outside the box in the 14th minute, followed by another blocked effort from Kobbie Mainoo two minutes later. These early exchanges highlighted England’s aggressive intent, though they struggled to convert possession into goals.
Defensive Solidity and Tactical Fouls in Euro 2024
As the half progressed, both teams showcased strong defensive performances. Switzerland’s Fabian Schär conceded a corner in the 21st minute, leading to an attempt by Harry Kane, whose header missed the target. Switzerland’s defense remained resolute, blocking several English attempts, including a significant block from Granit Xhaka, who was a pivotal figure in disrupting England’s attacking flow.
Discipline issues also emerged, with several fouls breaking up the play. Declan Rice fouled Embolo in the 18th minute, earning Switzerland a free kick. England’s defensive efforts were equally robust, with Kyle Walker winning a free kick after being fouled by Remo Freuler. The physical nature of the game was underscored by Schär’s yellow card for a bad foul on Jude Bellingham in the 32nd minute, highlighting the intensity of the midfield battle.
Persistent Pressure and Unyielding Defenses
Despite England’s persistent pressure, they couldn’t find the back of the net. Bukayo Saka’s left-footed shot was blocked in the 43rd minute, and Kobbie Mainoo’s effort from close range met the same fate just before the half-time whistle Euro 2024. England earned another corner in stoppage time, conceded by the ever-present Xhaka, but the Swiss defense held firm.
The first half Euro 2024 ended with the scoreline at 0-0, reflecting a balanced contest where defensive strategies outshone attacking prowess. Both teams had their moments, but neither could capitalize on their chances, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling second half. As fans waited with bated breath, the promise of tactical adjustments and renewed efforts from both sides loomed large over the remainder of the match.
Second Half Drama Unfolds
The second half of the match between England and Switzerland Euro 2024 began with a flurry of activity as both teams sought to break the deadlock. Bukayo Saka’s early attempt was blocked, setting the tone for a half filled with near misses and intense plays. Kyle Walker’s foul gave Switzerland a free kick, but it was Breel Embolo’s right-footed shot from the center of the box that tested England’s defense, only to be saved by the goalkeeper.
The action continued with England getting caught offside and both teams committing fouls, leading to numerous free kicks. Despite the efforts, including a blocked header by Embolo and two consecutive corners for Switzerland, neither team could find the back of the net in the opening minutes of the half. The substitutions by Switzerland in the 64th minute aimed to inject fresh energy, but it was a missed attempt by Michel Aebischer that highlighted the ongoing struggle to convert opportunities into goals.
England and Switzerland Trade Blows Euro 2024
As the match progressed, the tension on the pitch escalated. Fouls from both sides interrupted the flow, with Harry Kane and Manuel Akanji frequently involved in the action. A pivotal moment came in the 75th minute when Breel Embolo finally broke the deadlock, scoring from close range to put Switzerland ahead. This goal, however, sparked an immediate response from England.
England’s manager quickly made a triple substitution, bringing on Eberechi Eze, Luke Shaw, and Cole Palmer. This strategic move paid off almost instantly. In the 80th minute, Bukayo Saka unleashed a stunning left-footed shot from outside the box, leveling the score at 1-1. The final minutes of regular time saw missed opportunities from both sides, with England’s Eberechi Eze and Switzerland’s Dan Ndoye and Steven Zuber all failing to find the target. As the whistle blew, the score remained tied, pushing the match into extra time.
Extra Time Tension Euro 2024
Extra time was a battle of endurance and strategy. England started strong with Declan Rice’s attempt being saved, leading to a corner. Switzerland responded with substitutions, bringing on Denis Zakaria to bolster their defense. The game saw several blocked and saved attempts from both teams, with England’s Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham trying to break through Switzerland’s defense.
The second half of extra time saw more substitutions and attempts, but neither team could secure a decisive goal. England’s Ivan Toney and Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri entered the fray, each looking to make an impact. Switzerland’s Fabian Schär and Silvan Widmer both missed crucial opportunities, keeping the score level at 1-1. As extra time ended, the match was set to be decided by a penalty shootout, adding to the nail-biting tension.
Penalty Shootout Decides the Winner
The penalty shootout was the ultimate test of nerve and precision. England’s Cole Palmer set the tone by converting the first penalty with a composed left-footed shot. Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji’s attempt was saved, giving England an early advantage. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Ivan Toney all successfully converted their penalties, displaying remarkable composure under pressure.
Switzerland managed to stay in contention with successful penalties from Fabian Schär, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Zeki Amdouni, but it wasn’t enough. Trent Alexander-Arnold sealed England’s victory with a powerful shot to the top left corner, ending the shootout 5-3 in favor of England. The match concluded with England emerging victorious in a thrilling encounter that showcased the resilience and skill of both teams.
