The path to Euro 2024 final
England 1-0 Serbia
An early header by Jude Bellingham rewarded England for a good first half in their first game but they went off the boil and ended up hanging on for the win, as manager Gareth Southgate’s gamble of starting with Trent AlexanderArnold in midfield backfired. The tally of 11 shots six by Serbia, five from England was the lowest in a European Championship match since 1980, but within weeks England fans would have seen five shots as wild entertainment.
England 1-1 Denmark
England led through Harry Kane but struggled for control all through the game and Denmark deservedly equalised with a 30-yard pile-driver by Morten Hjulmand after a wild pass from Kane, who spent more time around his own box than the opposition’s. Results elsewhere later meant that England were guaranteed progress on four points.
England 0-0 Slovenia
A dull game in which England managed three shots on goal, ended with them nevertheless top of their group on five points, though it was the Slovenian players and fans celebrating at the end as they progressed to the knockout phase for the first time.
Round of 16: England 2-1 Slovakia (after extra time)
Ivan Schranz put outsiders Slovakia ahead in the first half, and England seemed unable almost unwilling to do anything about it in another toothless display. They were rescued by Jude Bellingham’s brilliant bicycle kick in the 96th minute and won it with a Kane goal in extra-time. These were their only shots on target. Southgate was widely criticised for his inactivity, especially his decision to bring on striker Ivan Toney with one minute of stoppage time remaining.
Quarterfinal: England 1-1 Switzerland (England win 5-3 on penalties)
In a tight game, Breel Embolo put Switzerland ahead after 75 minutes, with Bukayo Saka levelling with a great shot 10 minutes later, as England improved but were still shot-shy. The game went to penalties but, what for so long had been England’s weakness suddenly looked a strength, as Cole Palmer, Bellingham, Saka, Toney and Alexander-Arnold all scored confidently. Keeper Jordan Pickford saved from Manuel Akanji.
Semifinal: England 2-1 Netherlands
For the third knockout game in a row, England fell behind to a superb Xavi Simons shot but they responded brilliantly with an exhilarating first-half display that was unrecognisable from the stodge previously served up. They equalised with a VAR-awarded Kane penalty and went close several times. The second half was quieter but exploded in the 91st minute when substitute Ollie Watkins scored to take England into their second successive European Championship final.