England’s resilience keeps them on course for Euro 2024 glory

England’s remarkable performance at Euro 2024 was reflected in two qualities: they once again reached the last four of a major tournament almost unnoticed.

Gareth Southgate and his players have, rightly, been made to hear a lot about what they cannot do as a largely lacklustre run of performances saw them reach the group stage and knockout rounds.

It is now time to give England credit for what they can do. The quarter-final victory on penalties against Switzerland in Dusseldorf was another graphic example of a team making things difficult for themselves but still winning.

Despite all the failures so far, Southgate’s team have the capacity for individual brilliance, bolted to in-built resilience. In a campaign of contrasts, there is still the possibility of a glorious conclusion.

England may have waited until the final 86 seconds to pull themselves out of trouble this time, as they did in the round of 16 against Slovakia thanks to a moment of genius from Jude Bellingham. But Southgate was probably already sweating profusely before Bukayo Saka’s shot levelled Breel Embolo’s Swiss opener with just 10 minutes remaining.

It is ironic that the England team for Euro 2024 looked their best and most composed during the penalty shootout, which is the reason for so much sadness among previous generations.

Five flawless penalties from Cole Palmer, Bellingham, Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold, combined with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s save from Manuel Akanji, ensured the job was done. Then it’s the semi-final against the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday.

England have had moments of genius in Germany. They have endured it with strength of character.

That happened when Bellingham produced a magnificent flying header for the winning goal against Serbia in their opening Group C match against Serbia, and then most notably when he struck a superb bicycle kick against Slovakia just as England’s bags were being packed for departure.

Against Switzerland it was Saka, England’s best player of the day, who did well to cut inside from the right and send a low drive past keeper Yann Sommer. It was a well-deserved reward for a superb performance.

England’s victory was decided by those penalties, giving Southgate a record three semi-finals and a quarter-final appearance in four major tournaments. They still need to clear that final barrier and win a trophy, but they are in a position to do so, almost in spite of themselves.

This is an English team who struggled to beat Denmark and Slovenia in two Group C draws, only getting past Slovakia and Switzerland, the latter on penalties, after extra time in the knockouts. They didn’t set any heart-stopping races and yet they’re still in the last four.

Southgate switched to a three-man defensive system after a series of poor midfield selections, but that system too was not particularly dangerous until Saka bailed them out.

England seemed more comfortable with the system, and the drama and joy of the penalty shootout victory offered the temptation to put on rose-tinted spectacles when most of the food in Dusseldorf was average.

Saka’s goal, like Bellingham’s against Slovakia, was England’s first shot on target, a testament to the lack of creativity even with a more solid structure.

England deserve what they deserve for a refusal to bow down in the face of adversity, which has saved them twice, first against Slovakia and now Switzerland. The fact that it takes actual adversity to bring them to life is less commendable, a fault that applies to Southgate as much as his players.

England began to drift before Embolo put Switzerland ahead, Southgate sending on Luke Shaw for his first action in five months, plus Palmer and Eberechi Eze, with Kieran Trippier, Ezri Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo the three replacements. It was reactive management driven by deficit.

Southgate may say he’s holding his nerve, but bringing three players onto the pitch at a time when you need to score isn’t exactly the sign of a well-considered game plan.

England have made an art of living dangerously and getting away with it. The talented Dutch may not be as generous as Slovakia and Switzerland. But Southgate’s team are not easy to beat – and their confidence will be fuelled by the belief that much more can be expected of them if they get it right.

Southgate will be able to rely on a composed performance from Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as a replacement for the suspended Marc Guehi, while the 19-year-old Mainoo is nervous and made another excellent contribution before being substituted.

Harry Kane is a concern though, he was on his feet for most of the game and could barely manage a gallop or a jump when he was substituted. He will be vital against the Netherlands so Southgate will be hoping the captain can regain his drive and energy.

Southgate himself is now preparing for another semi-final, as England – despite everything – are just one match away from the 2024 European Championship final in Berlin on July 14.