Harry Kane avoids nightmare ending after Gareth Southgate clash in Switzerland match
England captain Harry Kane was sent sprawling into the Three Lions technical area during extra-time of Saturday night's Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland
Harry Kane was fortunate to avoid serious injury after a collision with England boss Gareth Southgate just before he was substituted against Switzerland.
The Three Lions captain led the line for over 100 minutes as the Euro 2024 quarter-final went to extra-time. And the nation watched with bated breath as Kane was sent sprawling into the England technical area during the second-half of extra-time.
Kane was off balance and went into Southgate who went into some cooling boxes. He made his way back to his feet comfortably enough but that proved to be his final act as Ivan Toney was introduced for the final minutes in Dusseldorf following a subdued performance from Kane.
Toney and co were unable to find a breakthrough, though, which meant England needed a penalty shootout to book their spot in the tournament semi-finals.
Jordan Pickford thwarted Manuel Akanji to hand England an early advantage as Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Ivan Toney all kept their cool from the spot.
And it was left to Trent Alexander-Arnold to net the decisive penalty to send England through to the final four.
England headed into the match knowing that an improved performance was needed to appease fans who have been critical of underwhelming performances during the group stage and against Slovakia in the Round of 16.
Kane, meanwhile, revealed after the match to BBC Sport that he was suffering with a spot of cramp after his nasty looking trip in the dugout, with Southgate making a snap decision to take him off. He also confirmed he would be fit for England's semi-final in midweek, explaining: "I'm good. I had double cramp in my calf. Penalties, it is like for like because Ivan [Toney] is incredible. I will be fine."
On the performance, he said: "Another tough game and first of all great resilience from the lads to turn it up again. To get the goal, a fantastic finish from Bukayo Saka. Penalties are penalties, but I felt prepared - I was on the side, but I felt comfortable in the lads.
"Five out of five and a save from Picks [Jordan Pickford]! We trust in whoever is on the pitch and the difference this year compared to past years is we have proven penalty takers – we have a lot more experience and we showed it out there."
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