England progressed to the semi-final of Euro 2024 after knocking out Switzerland on penalties but a huge change could be coming according to Richard Keys.
The Three Lions were perfect from the penalty spot with all five takers dispatching their spot-kicks to book their spot in the last four against the Netherlands.
Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Ivan Toney all found the back of the net before Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold lashed the decisive kick home to send the England fans into raptures.
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Penalties were also used on the other side of the bracket with France knocking out Portugal after a shoot-out and Keys claims a huge change could be coming to how shoot-outs are conducted.
A coin toss with both captains present is currently used to determine which end of the stadium the penalties are taken and it’s widely accepted that shooting in front of your own supporters is an advantage.
The toss also decides which side shoots first, taking the initial penalty is also considered to be an advantage.
England won the toss and opted to shoot in front of their own fans against the Swiss. However, Keys claims rule makers are currently in discussions over penalties to be taken at BOTH ends of the stadium to make shoot-outs fairer.
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“‘In the air’ is the possibility that shoot-outs will become much fairer,” he wrote in his blog.
“I’ve argued for a long time that it’s wrong for one team to be asked to take their pens in front of the massed ranks of opposition fans.
“That walk from the half-way line is scary enough. To make it being bated by supporters doing everything they can to put a player off makes it a whole lot worse.
“We’ve got enough officials at games now to allow us to use both ends. Why not? It’s something else being discussed by decision makers.”
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England have won just one of their last nine meetings against the Dutch, last winning a friendly match 1-0 in 2018.
Keys believes the Three Lions have been ‘dead lucky’ but believes they will end up eventual winners.
He added: “I said last week I thought England had the look and smell of a team that was going to win Euro 2024. After another great escape since, it’s looking even more likely.
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“I’m taking nothing for granted and I’m certainly not cheer leading. On air, at beINSPORTS, I’ve been every bit as critical of their performances as anyone else - but they keep winning. And you have to respect that.
“I haven’t enjoyed watching them. They’ve been lucky. Dead lucky. But they’ve capitalised on their good fortune and can almost touch the trophy now.
“In truth, I can’t remember a team being as poor making this sort of progress. But they have. And that’s why I’m backing them.”
Topics: England, Euro 2024, Richard Keys, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Marcus Banks