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Boring But Brilliant: How England's Grind Could Lead to Euro 2024 Glory

Welcome to the grind. For those expecting England to dazzle at Euro 2024, prepare for a long wait. But while the style may be lacking, the results are not, as evidenced by Saturday's penalty shootout victory over Switzerland following a gritty 1-1 draw.

England's path to the semifinals has been anything but glamorous, with manager Gareth Southgate’s side demonstrating an uncanny ability to grind out victories. The match against Switzerland was a prime example. It was an attritional battle where answers were scrambled together rather than smoothly executed. Central to the debate is the role of Harry Kane, whose recent performances have raised questions about his current form.

On the surface, questioning Kane seems absurd. The Bayern Munich striker is England's all-time record goal scorer, a proven performer on the biggest stages, and a former World Cup Golden Boot winner. He is the captain, the talisman, and Southgate's trusted lieutenant.

Dropping Kane for Wednesday's semifinal in Dortmund would be Southgate's most surprising call yet. However, Kane’s struggles in pressing Switzerland or keeping up with Bukayo Saka’s relentless runs down the right flank have not gone unnoticed. Kane had just 26 touches in 109 minutes, attempted 10 passes (completing eight), and managed two shots, the last of which was blocked in the 83rd minute.

Southgate confirmed that Kane was substituted due to cramp. Despite this, the speculation about his fitness persists, especially after missing Bayern's final two Bundesliga matches with a back problem. Kane’s two goals so far in the tournament show he can still deliver, but he has been starved of service in a misfiring team that somehow keeps pushing through.

England’s collective resilience is becoming their defining trait. Southgate’s decision to revert to a back three, last used in the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy, brought some control in the first half. However, Switzerland, led by captain Granit Xhaka, were the better side in the second half and deserved their lead when Breel Embolo scored on 75 minutes. England’s response was swift, with Saka firing in a brilliant equalizer five minutes later.

Despite their struggles, England have mastered the art of the penalty shootout under Southgate. Their perfect five-for-five performance against Switzerland, with Jordan Pickford saving Switzerland’s first penalty, showcased their newfound confidence. Southgate has transformed England's approach to shootouts, previously a source of national anguish, into a strength.

As England march on, the criticism of their stifled performances is overshadowed by their results. Southgate’s record of deep tournament runs is unparalleled in England’s recent history. His team, though not always playing pure football, has developed the resilience and streetwise nature seen in past tournament winners like Italy, France, and Spain.

England may not be the most exciting team to watch, but their ability to grind out victories could lead them to Euro 2024 glory. The grind continues for a few more days at least, and for now, that’s all that matters.

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