England had to work hard to secure a place in the semi-finals of the European Championship.
The Three Lions defeated Switzerland in a tense penalty shoot-out after the match ended 1-1.
Breel Embolo had given the Swiss team the lead which was later canceled out by Bukayo Saka.
England's players showed maturity and composure as all five penalty takers converted and sent their team through to the next round of the competition, one step closer to winning the Euros.
Despite not being part of the penalty, Declan Rice helped the team to victory as revealed by team mate Luke Shaw.
Rice has been helping the players by talking to them, encouraging them and telling them to work on their breathing techniques to calm down in stressful situations.
According to The Mirror, Shaw said:
“December was our speaker who kept everyone calm, introduced everyone, told everyone to do their breathing techniques and express it.
“It was necessary.”
It was a complete team performance from Gareth Southgate's men to earn their place in the semi-finals.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji's penalty to put pressure on the Swiss team.
Akanji's Manchester City team-mate, Kyle Walker, assisted Pickford in saving the penalty, as revealed by Shaw.
The Manchester United defender said:
“I think Walks helped him a little bit.
“I could see Walks pointing to the left. Walks was pointing in that direction and offered him more help. I think he was already going that way, but it gave him some help in knowing where to go.”
Gareth Southgate's England can go all the way
England will now face a strong Netherlands side, who defeated Turkey in the last round.
The Three Lions should feel confident about their chances of winning the semi-finals but after that, Spain or France stand in the way of winning the title.
It is too early to suggest what will happen next but the win against Switzerland should give Southgate's side confidence ahead of the semi-finals.
Having received criticism from the media and former players for their performance in most of the tournament, England have done well and answered their critics in the best possible way.
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