Jermaine Jenas sent a message to a Manchester City player who started in England’s dramatic win against Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
While the likes of Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones started for the Three Lions as they drew 1-1 to the Swiss after extra-time, none of them took a spot-kick as their teammates won 5-3 on Saturday during the shootout.
Foden was taken off for Trent Alexander-Arnold during extra-time — who sealed England’s place in the semi-finals with a well-struck penalty.
Walker and Stones played for the entirety of the contest, however.
Jermaine Jenas makes huge claim about ‘unbelievable’ Man City star after England beat Switzerland
The Manchester City duo are set to participate in their third semi-final in a major international tournament for England — who lost 2-1 to Croatia at the 2018 World Cup after extra-time and beat Denmark 2-1 at Euro 2020.
The Netherlands, who will be in high spirits after their inspired comeback victory against Turkey as they eventually won 2-1 and that will be one of the reasons why they will prove to be a tough opponent.
But for the time being, the English players have every reason to celebrate being on the right side of yet another special game at a major competition — even seasoned winners like Walker, Stones and Foden.
After England narrowly defeated Switzerland, Jermaine Jenas gave Walker the ultimate compliment on his post-match Instagram post.
The £50 million man captioned his post: “Can’t beat a penalty shootout. Looking forward to the semi, let’s keep going. Thanks for the travelling support today.”
Jenas commented: “England’s greatest-ever right-back…think about that, lad.”
Kyle Walker could make such a claim unanimous if England win Euro 2024
Apart from Jermaine Jenas, even Jason Cundy has previously claimed that Walker is the greatest right-back in English history. However, others might believe the answer is Gary Neville — who was extremely consistent for Manchester United and England.
Such debates could unanimously swing in Walker’s favour if England win the ongoing European Championship.
Regardless of whether Gareth Southgate’s side have impressed or not, they are two games away from making history.
Having been excellent for England for years, if Walker — heralded as “unbelievable” by Marc Guehi — now manages to pick a piece of silverware that has evaded the Three Lions throughout their history, the debate might be settled once and for all.
The 34-year-old, however, will have his sights set on facing Ronald Koeman’s side instead of looking too ahead into the future — especially in terms of assessing his legacy in English history when any potential triumph would require a remarkable team effort.
