Jadon Sancho shared a heartfelt message to Bukayo Saka after England reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
The Three Lions edged past Switzerland on penalties on a dramatic evening in Dusseldorf, with Gareth Southgate’s side again showing all of their spirit to get to the next round.
Having gone 1-0 behind following Breel Embolo’s opener, Saka dragged England back into the game with a stunning individual effort in the 80th minute.
The quarter-final clash went to extra time and penalties where the Three Lions tucked home all five of their spot kicks, while Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s effort to ensure Southgate’s side progressed 5-3.
Arsenal star Saka cooly slot home his penalty, while Jude Bellingham, Ivan Toney, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold were also clinical from 12 yards.
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Jadon Sancho hailed Bukayo Saka after England progressed to the Euro 2024 semi-finals
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Saka rescued England in normal time, before the Arsenal star later scored in the shootout
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Saka was one of five England players to score from 12 yards as they won 5-3 on penaltiesSaka’s penalty and Player of the Match display had more meaning than most after the winger heartbreakingly missed a spot kick in the Euro 2020 final when England lost to Italy.
Back then, Saka, Marcus Rashford and Sancho were the unfortunate stars who failed to find the back of the net in the shootout, with that being the only penalty Saka has ever taken for his country until Saturday.
The trio subsequently all suffered abhorrent racist abuse in the aftermath of the final and Saka’s calm penalty against Switzerland demonstrated huge nerve to bury any scars from that setback three years ago.And, taking to his Instagram account after the game, Sancho hailed Saka as he shared a post of the Arsenal star with his Player of the Match award and said: ‘I’m so proud of this guy @bukayosaka87!
‘You did it for me and Marcus brother!’, in reference to the horrendous abuse they suffered together and banishing the penalty demons.
Saka later responded to the heartwarming message from his former England team-mate and added: ‘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 team’s chief attacking outlet.
He had four successful dribbles by half-time and showed an intent absent in others, before his moment of magic rescued the Three Lions and took the clash to extra time.
Speaking to reporters following the game, Saka expressed his delight at England’s progress, while he referenced that aforementioned penalty shootout defeat to Italy.
‘Last time we had a penalty shootout at the Euros, we know what happened,’ he said.
‘I believe. I felt we dominated the whole game and the chance would come and I took it. I’m proud of myself for that.
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Sancho’s message was in reference to the Euro 2020 final where England lost on spot kicks to Italy after Saka, Sancho and Marcus Rashford all missed their spot kicks in the shootout
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Sancho hailed Saka and said ‘You did it for me and Marcus’ in reference to that setback
Saka later responded to Sancho’s message and expressed his love for him and Rashford
‘It’s (pressure) something I embrace. You can fail once and you have a choice over whether you put yourself in that position again.
‘I’m a guy who’s going to put myself in that position. I believed in myself.
‘I’m not going to be focusing on the past. That’s done. I can only focus on now and taking the penalty. Of course I know there’s a lot of nervous people watching, including my family in the crowd. But I kept my cool and scored.’
England return to 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.