- Rashford, Saka and Sancho missed penalties for England in the Euro 2020 final
- Saka shone against Switzerland and this time he converted his penalty
- LISTEN: Join us as we discuss the MOST IMPORTANT talking points on It’s all just beginning! EUROS DAILY. Available wherever you get your podcasts
Jadon Sancho has shared an emotional message to Bukayo Saka after England reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
The Three Lions beat Switzerland on penalties on a dramatic night in Düsseldorf, with Gareth Southgate’s side once again showing their spirit to reach the next round.
After trailing 1-0 following Breel Embolo’s opener, Saka got England back into the game with a stunning individual goal in the 80th minute.
The quarter-final clash went to extra time and penalties, with the Three Lions converting all five of their spot-kicks, with Jordan Pickford saving Manuel Akanji’s effort to ensure Southgate’s side advanced 5-3.
Arsenal star Saka calmly slotted home his penalty, while Jude Bellingham, Ivan Toney, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold were also effective from 12 yards.
Jadon Sancho praised Bukayo Saka after England advanced to the semi-finals of Euro 2024
Saka rescued England in normal time, before the Arsenal star scored later in the penalty shoot-out.
Saka was one of five England players to score from 12 yards as they won 5-3 on penalties.
Saka’s penalty and Man of the Match performance held more meaning than most after the winger heartbreakingly missed a spot-kick in the Euro 2020 final as England lost to Italy.
Back then, Saka, Marcus Rashford and Sancho were the unlucky stars who failed to score in the shoot-out, with that being the only penalty Saka has taken for his country until Saturday.
The trio subsequently suffered abhorrent racist abuse after the final and Saka’s calm penalty against Switzerland showed enormous courage to bury any scars from that setback three years ago.
And, taking to his Instagram account after the game, Sancho praised Saka by sharing a post of the Arsenal star with his Man of the Match award and saying: “So proud of this lad @bukayosaka87!”
‘You did it for me and my brother Marcus!’, referring to the horrendous abuse they suffered together and banishing the demons of punishment.
Saka later responded to his former England teammate’s touching message, adding: “My boys.”
Saka was England’s best player on Saturday in what was another competitive quarter-final clash at the tournament, with the 22-year-old his side’s main attacker.
He had four successful dribbles by half-time and showed a lack of intent on others, before his moment of magic rescued the Three Lions and took the game into extra time.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Saka expressed his delight at England’s progress, while also referring to the aforementioned penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy.
“The last time we had a penalty shoot-out at the European Championships, we know what happened,” he said.
‘I think. I felt like we dominated the whole game and that the opportunity would come and I took it. I’m proud of myself for that.
Sancho’s message was in reference to the Euro 2020 final, where England lost on penalties to Italy after Saka, Sancho and Marcus Rashford all missed their spot kicks in the shootout.
Sancho greeted Saka and told him: “You did it for me and for Marcus” in reference to that setback.
Saka later responded to Sancho’s message and expressed his love for him and Rashford.
‘It’s something I accept (the pressure). You can fail once and you have the option to put yourself in that position again.
“I’m a guy who’s going to put himself in that position. I believed in myself.
“I’m not going to focus on the past. That’s already done. I can only focus on the present and on taking the penalty. Of course, I know there are a lot of nervous people watching me, including my family in the crowd. But I kept my cool and scored.”
England will be back in action on Wednesday when they face the Netherlands in the semi-final after Ronald Koeman’s side came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday night.
