Pickford stars in penalty shoot-out
England have finished third in the Nations League, beating Switzerland on penalties after their play-off finished goalless after extra-time.
In the resultant shoot-out Jordan Pickford scored to give England a 5-4 lead and then, with his side 6-5 ahead saved a kick from Josip Drmic to give Gareth Southgate some cheer after a disappointing semi-final defeat in Portugal.
It was a very tough game and I think we showed our character after coming through 120 minutes on Thursday.
Jordan Pickford
With hosts Portugal facing Holland in the final later on Sunday, the third-place play-off saw England face Switzerland and it was Southgate's side who came closest to getting a winner in the game itself.
Both Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling hit the woodwork, Kane's effort coming in just the second minute, the Tottenham striker trying to chip the ball in but it rebounded off the bar to safety.
Dele Alli had a good chance to open the scoring on 35 minutes but headed over from close range, Trent Alexander-Arnold setting him up with a perfect cross.
England hit the woodwork again 10 minutes into the second half, Kane again involved but it was a deflection from Fabbian Schar that forced Yann Sommer into a save, tipping the ball onto the post.
As the match drifted towards extra-time England thought they had taken the lead through substitute Callum Wilson who forced home the rebound after an Alli header but VAR intervened and ruled it out for an infringement by the Bournemouth striker.
So extra-time came and England hit the woodwork for a third time as penalties loomed, Sterling the unlucky player but England got the win their play deserved via penalties.
Hero of the shoot-out Pickford told Sky Sports afterwards: "It was a very tough game and I think we showed our character after coming through 120 minutes on Thursday and 120 minutes again today. This is how we will get better and we bounced back."
Portugal are 27/20 to win Sunday night's Nations League final with Holland 12/5.
England meanwhile are 9/2 to win Euro 2020 with France 7/2.
View all Soccer betting
England have finished third in the Nations League, beating Switzerland on penalties after their play-off finished goalless after extra-time.
In the resultant shoot-out Jordan Pickford scored to give England a 5-4 lead and then, with his side 6-5 ahead saved a kick from Josip Drmic to give Gareth Southgate some cheer after a disappointing semi-final defeat in Portugal.
It was a very tough game and I think we showed our character after coming through 120 minutes on Thursday.
Jordan Pickford
With hosts Portugal facing Holland in the final later on Sunday, the third-place play-off saw England face Switzerland and it was Southgate's side who came closest to getting a winner in the game itself.
Both Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling hit the woodwork, Kane's effort coming in just the second minute, the Tottenham striker trying to chip the ball in but it rebounded off the bar to safety.
Dele Alli had a good chance to open the scoring on 35 minutes but headed over from close range, Trent Alexander-Arnold setting him up with a perfect cross.
England hit the woodwork again 10 minutes into the second half, Kane again involved but it was a deflection from Fabbian Schar that forced Yann Sommer into a save, tipping the ball onto the post.
As the match drifted towards extra-time England thought they had taken the lead through substitute Callum Wilson who forced home the rebound after an Alli header but VAR intervened and ruled it out for an infringement by the Bournemouth striker.
So extra-time came and England hit the woodwork for a third time as penalties loomed, Sterling the unlucky player but England got the win their play deserved via penalties.
Hero of the shoot-out Pickford told Sky Sports afterwards: "It was a very tough game and I think we showed our character after coming through 120 minutes on Thursday and 120 minutes again today. This is how we will get better and we bounced back."
Portugal are 27/20 to win Sunday night's Nations League final with Holland 12/5.
England meanwhile are 9/2 to win Euro 2020 with France 7/2.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com
Comments
This article has 0 comment(s) , give your comment