Having eliminated defending champion Italy in the Round of 16, Switzerland was on course for a semi-final berth when Breel Embolo put it ahead with 75 minutes played against Gareth Southgate's stuttering England.

But Bukayo Saka dragged the Three Lions level within five minutes with a sensational goal, and after another 40 goalless minutes, England held its nerve from 12 yards to win the shootout 5-3.

Manuel Akanji was denied by Jordan Pickford from Switzerland's first penalty, with every other kick being converted as England won on spot-kicks for just the fourth time in its history and the second time versus Switzerland, having also done so at the UEFA Nations League in 2019.

Speaking after his team's elimination, former Liverpool and Stoke City winger Shaqiri said: "There is nothing more brutal than to go home after penalties.

"We fought and gave it all we had to try and qualify so the fairytale could continue. You saw the enthusiasm and how big it was, not only in Switzerland but also in Germany.

"I am really proud of the team and for the way they played in these Euros. We made a lot of people in Switzerland proud and gave them joy."

Shaqiri's team-mate Dan Ndoye added: "This loss is tough to accept. I think we deserved to be in the semi-finals with this team, which was so united.

"We had the qualities to go further. Of course it hurts to lose on penalties. Football is cruel sometimes, but that's how it is and you need to accept it."