Luke Shaw applauded for his 'classy' gesture after England's shoot-out win over Switzerland, while fans hail joyous image of the Three Lions when victory was confirmed

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Luke Shaw has been applauded for his 'classy' gesture at the end of England's dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland.

The Three Lions advanced to the Euro 2024 semi-final after a nail-biting victory on Saturday evening, that was achieved via the spot after the sides could not be separated by the end of extra-time. 

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold converted the decisive penalty to send players, staff and fans into rapturous scenes of celebration. But it's the reaction of Shaw that has attracted attention on social media. 

The Manchester United defender, who came on to make his first appearance at the tournament in the 78th minute, immediately turned towards the dejected Swiss players as his team-mates rushed to rejoice the victory or - in Bukayo Saka's case - raised their hands to the heavens to give thanks for the win. 

'Luke Shaw immediately went to console the Switzerland players after Trent's penalty kick. Class.' Wrote one United fan account on X. 

England fans rejoiced after winning the penalty shoot-out, while Luke Shaw consoled Switzerland players and Bukayo Saka raised his hands to the heavens

The Manchester United defender has been praised by fans for his classy gesture after the win

Shaw came on in the second half to make his first appearance in the tournament, which was also his first since mid February

Another, commenting on the incredible mix of emotions on display, wrote: 'I adore this image. The joy, yes. That was me, in the moment. But also the silent relief and prayer from Saka.

'And then Luke shaw, quietly off to shake hands with the Swiss. That’s pretty damn classy.'

England's shoot-out victory was their third in four attempts under Gareth Southgate, having won only one of their previous seven. It also sees the Three Lions make the last-four of a major tournament for the third time in the last three tournaments. 

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All five takers, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, Ivan Toney and Alexander-Arnold, were successful from the spot in the 5-3 win, following the 1-1 draw at the end of time.  

The England boss celebrated in front of his team’s supporters in euphoric scenes following their win a said: ‘Every now and then you think surely there has to be some enjoyment in this job.

‘If I can’t enjoy that moment, then the whole thing is a waste of time. I took this job to help. I can't deny when it’s as personal as it’s been in recent weeks…But we’re still fighting.

‘We showed unbelievable qualities of character and resilience. You have to find ways to win and dealing with everything around them.

‘To twice come from behind and and to have that composure was impeccable.’

Southgate hailed his team’s courage after their brave come back.

‘We showed unbelievable qualities of character and resilience. You have to find ways to win and dealing with everything around them.

Gareth Southgate heaped praise on his side after celebrating in front of fans at the conclusion of the tie

England have now reached the semi-final in three of the four major tournaments under Southgate

‘To twice come from behind and and to have that composure was impeccable.’

England return to action on Wednesday when they face the Netherlands in the semi-final after Ronald Koeman's side came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday night.