Gary Lineker praised two Manchester City players straight after yesterday’s game between England and Switzerland.
England are into the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after beating their opponents on penalties.
England turned in yet another poor performance, and were only able to draw 1-1 with Switzerland after 90 minutes.
After no goals were scored in extra-time, the game went to a shootout and England held their nerve with five perfect spot-kicks.
Sadly, it was Manchester City centre-back Manuel Akanji who missed for Switzerland. He took their first kick but could not score past Jordan Pickford.
As England players celebrated just after Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the final penalty, Lineker noticed a couple of City players consoling Akanji.
Gary Lineker praises Phil Foden and John Stones for consoling Manuel Akanji after missing penalty vs England
Akanji stepped up first for Switzerland in the shootout.
Cole Palmer had already given England the lead with an emphatic penalty, and the City man needed to convert to settle a few nerves for his side.
But Pickford was equal to his effort, diving low to his left.
All penalties taken from that point on were then perfect from both teams, meaning Akanji was unfortunately the only player to miss.
It must have been a horrible feeling, and the disappointment etched on his face at the end was clear.
TV cameras were on him at the end as the BBC punditry team gave their thoughts, and host Gary Lineker gave credit to the players who were consoling Akanji. Those were Phil Foden, John Stones and former City star Palmer.
He said: “Lovely scenes there. Particularly from his teammates at Manchester City with Akanji there obviously missing the penalty.
“Great sportsmanship from the England players, nice to see.”
Heartache for Akanji
This was a nice moment at the end of the game, because Akanji will have been feeling awful after missing.
But the City central defender can hold his head high, because he had an outstanding tournament for his country. Without doubt, he was one of the best centre-backs in the whole competition.
Anyone can miss a penalty, and it took balls for him to step up first for Switzerland in the shootout. While it was not an amazing penalty, Pickford just guessed the right way and it was what it was.
It was good to see Foden and Stones rallying around him and fair player to former City youngster Palmer as well.
It just demonstrates what a tight bond those City players have. Hopefully, Akanji can bounce back from this as soon as possible.