BBC pundits Rio Ferdinand and Gary Lineker branded 'delusional' after England win Euro 2024 penalty shoot-out

There were positive signs early on as England threatened Switzerland's back line, but Yann Sommer was unchallenged throughout.

Switzerland began to grow in confidence in the second half and broke the deadline in the 75th minute through Breel Embolo.

It took a sensational solo effort from Saka five minutes later to bring England back on level terms before they won on penalties.

And the BBC pundits were full of praise for England and in particular Southgate, who has taken heavy criticism throughout the tournament.

"It was wonderful to watch today," Ferdinand began.

"We've been crying out - as a nation, as pundits, in the media, the fans - for a performance we can be proud of.

"Today, it wasn't perfect but it was such an improvement."

He added: "I was looking on my WhatsApp groups and they were going crazy. When Switzerland made their substitutions, everyone started getting onto Gareth and you look on social media, everyone was hammering him.

"'He's left it too late'. Even us lot up here were going, 'why's he not doing this?'.

"But you have to give him credit. He's calm under these situations. He doesn't panic and does it in his own time and when he wants.

"People outside may look at it and go 'he should do this', but he's getting it right and you have to give him huge credit for that."

Micah Richards also called England 'brave' in the way they played and a structure 'we had been crying out for'.

Both Gary Lineker and Frank Lampard said Southgate 'deserved a lot of credit' for his role in England's win.

However, their views weren't shared by many on social media who felt Southgate was getting an easy pass by the BBC pundits.

One message read: "I'd love an ounce of Rio Ferdinand's delusion to just coast through life."

Another posted: "I'm delighted England have won, but listening to Lineker and crew telling us England played well and Southgate did well, is just too much. England were poor and lucky, however, they did take the penalties well."

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A third fumed: "Ferdinand says Southgate is getting it right. Ffs! Lucky draw and lucky against both Slovakia and Switzerland. We’ll probably go on and win it and have Southgate cup his ear to the fans."

A fourth person mocked: "Lineker saying Southgate has to take credit for the penalties. Seriously."

One other person sarcastically said: "Ferdinand trying to give Southgate credit."

Another noted: “'He’s getting it right' says Ferdinand - I would suggest zero shots on target against Switzerland after the first half is not getting it right."