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 techniques, participant administration, and incapacity to maximise the potential of England’s golden era. Nonetheless, his crew has managed to persevere, organising a semi-final conflict towards 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.
Issues over match referee
Nonetheless, there is perhaps some early concern for England concerning the match referee. Felix Zwayer, a referee with a controversial previous, will oversee the sport.
In keeping with the Every 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 pressure. In 2021, Bellingham, then at Borussia Dortmund, publicly criticised Zwayer after a controversial defeat to Bayern Munich, questioning his credibility on stay TV.
Bellingham said:
“You may have a look at loads of the choices within the sport. You give a referee, that has match-fixed earlier than, the largest sport 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 pondering by placing Zwayer on the England-game.Again in 2021 Bellingham informed me this after the sport.And was fined €40,000 by German soccer officers@ViaplayFotball
— Jan Aage Fjørtoft ?? (@JanAageFjortoft) July 8, 2024
All eyes on the officiating
With Zwayer set to referee the semi-final, any controversial selections might spark important backlash and questions on his appointment for such a vital match.
The main focus can be on making certain a good and clear sport, as England seeks to beat the Netherlands and advance to the Euro 2024 remaining.
