Euro 2024: Sancho gets emotional over Saka moment

Emotions ran riot after England saw off quarter-final rivals, Switzerland in the Euro 2024 tournament as many England stars got their moments to shine and a redemption arc; Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold being one of the names. However, it was one man who wasn’t with the Three Lions squad who had a lot of tears to squirm for his English brethren who performed on the day, and that was Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho.

In a dramatic encounter that saw England exorcise past demons, the Three Lions booked their place in the Euro 2024 semi-final with a penalty shootout victory over Switzerland. The match, held at a tension-filled stadium, ended 1-1 after extra time, with Bukayo Saka playing a pivotal role in England’s comeback and subsequent triumph.

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Switzerland initially took the lead through Breel Embolo, whose clinical finish left England trailing. However, Saka, showing maturity and resilience, equalized for England not long after, ensuring the match extended into extra time.

The Arsenal winger, who had faced heartbreak in the Euro 2020 final, emerged as a symbol of redemption and determination.

As the match progressed through extra time with no further goals, the outcome was left to the dreaded penalty shootout—a scenario that has historically been England’s Achilles heel. Yet, this time, Gareth Southgate’s side displayed remarkable composure and precision.

The team confidently converted all five of their spot kicks, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold each finding the net.

Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji saw his penalty saved by Jordan Pickford, sealing a 5-3 shootout victory for England. Pickford’s crucial save and the unwavering accuracy of England’s penalty takers propelled them into the semi-finals, where they will face the Netherlands, who staged a comeback to defeat Turkey in their quarter-final clash.

Saka’s performance was particularly noteworthy. Not only did he score the equalizing goal, but he also delivered under immense pressure during the penalty shootout. His contributions earned him the player of the match award, underscoring his transformation from the heartbreak of Euro 2020 to the hero of Euro 2024.

Reflecting on his journey, Saka’s triumph resonated beyond the pitch. It was a moment of personal and collective redemption.

In the Euro 2020 final against Italy, Saka, along with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, missed penalties that dashed England’s hopes of winning their first major trophy since 1966. This time, Saka’s success was celebrated not just as a personal victory but as a vindication for all three players.

Sancho, who was not selected for this summer’s tournament, took to Instagram to express his pride in Saka. He wrote:

“I’m so proud of this guy! You did it for me and Marcus, brother!”