Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Quarter Final - England v Switzerland - Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany - July 6, 2024 England's Bukayo Saka celebrates after the match REUTERS/Lee Smith
(Reuters) - Bukayo Saka won plaudits for striking the ball so sweetly in England's quarter-final win over Switzerland and did it again on his golf debut at the weekend even if his celebrations were spoiled by an embarrassing tumble over the golf bag.
Beginner's luck it may have been but Saka, who equalised against the Swiss and converted his penalty in the 5-3 shootout win, shone when England were treated to some golf on their day off on Sunday.
"Oh my goodness - best shot of my life," Saka said after his first effort.
He struck the ball well on his next attempt too and while enjoying generous applause he stumbled comically, prompting laughter and ridicule from teammates.
The distraction could be just what England need ahead of their semi-final with Netherlands on Wednesday, when they aim to reach their second successive Euros final.
The players were divided into north and south, based on their club sides and took it in turns to hit golf balls at targets with a variety of clubs, with their endeavours recorded and shared by the England team.
Goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford showed their golfing experience, while captain Harry Kane held his nerve under a lot of peer pressure.
"Everyone's expecting me to wipe the floor with the lads but its not that easy," the striker said.
But most struggled, with Eberechi Eze and Jude Bellingham missing the ball completely and Ivan Toney blaming his club.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Toney and Bellingham executed their penalties perfectly in England's shootout win over Switzerland a day earlier, but they were woeful on the greens.
Defender Kyle Walker had impressed with his technique but drew laughter when he swung and sent a huge chunk of turf into the air. "I really enjoyed that," he said with a laugh.
(Reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Ken Ferris)
