England marched on to the semi-finals of the UEFA Euro 2024. After they defeated Switzerland 5-3 on penalties. The game was tied 1-1 after the end of extra time. The Swiss took the lead through Breel Embolo in the 75th minute. Bukayo Saka scored the equaliser in the 80th minute. Gareth Southgate’s side have not played the football they were expected to play in the major event.
Ahead of the tournament, they were considered the favourites. Despite being so they could not live up to the expectations in the group stages and the knockouts they came from behind to win the games. In the quarter-finals on Saturday, Harry Kane was taken off by the English manager. After colliding with Southgate the captain stumbled into the technical area. There has been no official confirmation of whether the Bayern Munich striker is fully fit before coming to the tournament or not.
The 30-year-old striker has found the net just twice in the tournament so far one from open play and the other from the spot kick. Despite being the first-choice penalty take for the side he was taken off before the shootout. The explanation for the same has not been provided yet. The striker previously missed a crucial penalty in the semi-final against France in the 2022 World Cup in the match that eliminated the Lions.
Is Harry Kane a burden for England?
This might be a masterstroke from the 53-year-old manager. He has been under huge scrutiny for his decision-making and tactics in the matches. The lack of options for Kane will be a primary priority for Southgate’s replacement. England cannot continue to rely so much on a striker who cannot go in behind defenders. Ivan Toney was brought in for him as the Brentford striker converted his penalty.
Kane has the experience of playing in Germany as he joined the Bavarians last season and performed well as well. But this is the first time that the striker has failed to make any impact for the side in any major tournament. England will be up against the Netherlands in the semi-final.
