The victory on penalties over Switzerland is a vivid example of how England first make life difficult for themselves, and then show that they are capable enough to solve their own destiny.
This was concluded by the BBC after another difficult match in the quarter-finals of the European Championship, which Albion offered the fans, but also a new celebration that only reinforces the impression that nothing is a coincidence with the English in this competition.
After all, England is not the only team at the Euros that performed below expectations and "stayed alive". What then to say about France?
A selection that is probably more complete than the team Gareth Southgate, which reached the semi-finals by not conceding a field goal - with two own goals and one goal from the penalty spot (Killian Mbape).
The English public thus changed the angle of viewing the national team's matches in Germany. The time for criticism has passed, now is the moment for the well-known euphoria on the Island and the loud song that football is coming home...
"It's our third semi-final in the last four major competitions - if I can't enjoy it then I'm wasting my time in this business," Southgate said.
He passed Southgate all the last fortnight. The public tolerated him only in the victory at the premiere over Serbia (1:0, he was the only scorer Jude Bellingham), and then dissatisfaction grew - the draws with Denmark and Slovenia were not good, but despite unconvincing performances, Albion won first place in the group.
That's how he was the absolute favorite in the round of 80 against Slovakia when he was less than 1 seconds away from elimination - until Bellingham's acrobatics for 1:XNUMX in the fifth minute of stoppage time, and then the goal. Harry Kane in extra time to place among the top eight.
Passing in such a way seemed to unite the English and helped them to more easily endure a new shocking game, with Switzerland.
Nobody cared when it was Brill Embolo scored in the 75th to give "Sajji" the advantage, but only five minutes later "three lions" equalized with a great goal Bukaja Sake.
And as if Southgate had already started thinking about penalties, and that England was preparing them in particular, it was seen after the game on social media when a photo of the goalkeeper was published Jordan Pickford - he had written on the water bottle where and how Swiss players shoot penalties.
He knew very well where he was aiming Manuel Akanji, he defended against him already in the first series and that was it.
"It was not easy for us during the Euros and there is no reason for me to deny that. We didn't play well and the criticism was right, but suddenly everything became personal - and you can't be indifferent when a fan throws a glass of beer at you," said Southgate.
England lost the final to Italy three years ago at "Wembley" (on penalties), and is still waiting for the European title. Even now, by placing in the semi-finals, she essentially did nothing.
"When I became manager, I wanted England to get to the level they are now - to start believing in big things, but also to have the cover for it. There are many goals ahead of us - for the first time in history to play in the final of a competition we are not hosting, and then to win the title. There are two pieces of history that we can create in this tournament," said Southgate.
Next up is the clash with the Netherlands on Wednesday in Dortmund.
"I'm absolutely sure we know how to get to the final," Southgate concluded.
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