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Pickford Takes Shaqiri's Cheeky Attempt To Score From A CORNER In Good Spirits In Euros Clash Vs Switzerland
JORDAN PICKFORD shared an amazing moment with Switzerland sub Xherdan Shaqiri in extra time - before becoming England's shootout hero.
The Three Lions drew 1-1 before reaching the Euro 2024 semi-finals 5-3 on spot-kicks - with keeper Pickford the centre of attention late on in dramatically contrasting ways.
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Jordan Pickford responded with this surprising gesture5
Xherdan Shaqiri hit the bar with his cornerWith the Three Lions straining for a winner late in the added half-hour, ex-Liverpool midfielder Shaqiri came close at the other end with an audacious effort.
The ex-Liverpool midfielder tried to score direct from a corner... And saw it smash against the bar.
Pickford was among those watching anxiously as the ball flashed across - inches away from a probable clincher.
But despite the high tension, the Everton ace reacted coolly - and with an unexpected gesture.
Pickford turned to the former Stoke playmaker... And gave him the thumbs-up!
The tight contest soon ended with a 1-1 draw - meaning a shootout.
And it was Pickford who conjured the key moment - from the very first spot-kick.
He dived to keep out Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji's low effort to the left corner.
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Van Dijk fumes after spotting controversial ref's antics at full time5
Pickford was nearly caught out by Shaqiri's effort5
EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYBut England's clinical efforts from 12 yards were just as impressive.
And sub Trent Alexander-Arnold, who slotted his own penalty home with a swagger, reckoned it was down to pre-match preparation.
BREAKING: Harry Kane forced off after crashing into England bench during extra-time despite Gareth Southgate's bid to save himHe told the BBC: "It is what we have practiced.
"When the gaffer said I was taking one, I enjoy it and I practice it - I knew I had to just execute it.
"All five penalties from us were great."
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Euro 2024: Xherdan Shaqiri Subbed In England Vs Switzerland Quarterfinal
Chicago Fire FC midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri was not starting in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal clash for Switzerland against England at the Dusseldorf Arena.
He was subbed in during the second half of extra-time with the score tied 1-1.
The 32-year-old former Bayern Munich and Liverpool player has only started one match in the Euro 2024 group stage in which he scored a stunning goal.
He has been on of the most effective player for his country in major tournaments. He has made 132 international appearances for his country, scoring 32 goals in them.
Since his move to the Major League Soccer (MLS), the midfielder has been struggling with his match fitness. Swiss coach Murat Yakin uses his as a impact substitute in the second half.
England vs Switzerland: Head-to-head recordMatches: 31
England wins: 22
Draws: 6
Switzerland wins: 3
Xherdan Shaqiri Becomes First MLS Player To Score At A European Championship
Xherdan Shaqiri became the first Major League Soccer player to score at a European Championship with his goal for Switzerland against Scotland.
The Chicago Fire winger fired in from the edge of the area to equalise and make the score 1-1 at RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne.
The strike came from a Scotland error as Anthony Ralston attempted to pass the ball to fellow defender Grant Hanley but misplaced it.
Shaqiri, 32, then reacted quickest before unleashing a curling left-footed shot first-time to find the top corner at the near post leaving goalkeeper Angus Gunn stranded.
Shaqiri joined the Fire in 2022 as the most expensive signing in club history and has gone on to make 75 appearances, scoring 16 goals and adding 13 assists.
A veteran of European football prior to his move to the U.S, he previously spent time with Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Liverpool among others.
He has 123 caps for his country and has scored 31 goals.
Switzerland defeated Hungary in their opening game of Euro 2024 and close out Group A against tournament hosts Germany on June 23.
(Javier Soriano/AFP via Getty Images)
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