By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Young fans watching England reach a European Championship semi final through a flawless penalty shootout might not recognize the name Stuart Pearce, but Saturday night's match in Dusseldorf evoked memories of Euro 96.
England has only achieved a perfect penalty shootout twice in major tournaments, against Spain at Wembley in 1996 and against Switzerland in 2024. In 1996, Pearce hammered in the third penalty and celebrated with his signature fist pump and roar, his neck muscles straining with intensity.
In 2024, Saka calmly slotted in the third penalty and celebrated with a wide, beaming smile, embodying the joy and hope of a new generation of England supporters. For both players, the successful shootout marked a moment of redemption.
Pearce's penalty in 1996 came six years after his miss in the 1990 World Cup semi final against West Germany. Saka's successful penalty in 2024 came three years after his miss in the European Championship final against Italy.
When Trent Alexander Arnold scored the winning penalty, Saka didn't join the mass celebration with his teammates but instead sank to his knees, arms raised in gratitude. This was Saka's redemption, achieved with class, immense skill, and his trademark likeability.
Reflecting on overcoming the disappointment of Euro 2020, Saka said, "For me, it's something I embrace. You can fail once, but you have the choice to put yourself in that position again, and I'm someone who will always do that. "I believed in myself, and when the ball hit the net, I was a very happy man."
