England triumphed over Switzerland in a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout to safe their place within the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
Regardless of their lacklustre performances all through the event, the Three Lions have discovered themselves only one step away from the ultimate.
Gareth Southgate has confronted important criticism for his ways, participant administration, and lack of ability to maximise the potential of England’s golden technology. Nonetheless, his crew has managed to persevere, organising a semi-final conflict in opposition to the Netherlands.
The extremely anticipated match between England and the Netherlands is scheduled to kick off at 8 pm on Wednesday, July 10, on the Westfalenstadion, residence of Borussia Dortmund.
Considerations over match referee
Nonetheless, there is likely to be some early concern for England concerning the match referee. Felix Zwayer, a referee with a controversial previous, will oversee the sport.
In response to the Each day Mail, Zwayer has a historical past of match-fixing, having been banned for six months in 2005 for accepting a €300 (£253.82) bribe from fellow referee Robert Hoyzer.
Zwayer’s historical past with England star Jude Bellingham provides one other layer of rigidity. In 2021, Bellingham, then at Borussia Dortmund, publicly criticised Zwayer after a controversial defeat to Bayern Munich, questioning his credibility on stay TV.
Bellingham acknowledged:
“You may take a look at a whole lot of the choices within the recreation. You give a referee, that has match-fixed earlier than, the most important recreation in Germany. What do you anticipate?”
Following these feedback, Bellingham was fined €40,000 (£33,843) and investigated by German police, whereas Zwayer took a two-month break from officiating.
I’m not certain what UEFA are considering by placing Zwayer on the England-game.
Again in 2021 Bellingham advised me this after the sport.
And was fined €40,000 by German soccer officers@ViaplayFotball https://t.co/g9g60Yu4iq— Jan Aage Fjørtoft ?? (@JanAageFjortoft) July 8, 2024
All eyes on the officiating
With Zwayer set to referee the semi-final, any controversial selections may spark important backlash and questions on his appointment for such a vital match.
The main focus shall be on guaranteeing a good and clear recreation, as England seeks to beat the Netherlands and advance to the Euro 2024 closing.
