Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the winning penalty for England as they beat Switzerland to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024, having been rescued by a Bukayo Saka equaliser in normal time
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been overheard appearing to tell his brother that one England player ‘didn’t want to take a penalty’ during their Euro 2024 shootout win against Switzerland…….CONTINUE READING
After Bukayo Saka equalised to make it 1-1 with 10 minutes of normal time remaining, England scored all five of their spot-kicks to book a semi-final tie with the Netherlands next Wednesday. Alexander-Arnold was among the successful takers, having been introduced as a substitute with five minutes to go in extra-time of Saturday’s quarter-final.
The Liverpool star replaced Phil Foden, who wasn’t the only big name to be hauled off. Captain and first-choice penalty taker Harry Kane was withdrawn during extra-time too, as Ivan Toney came on in his place and also took a penalty.
Toney and Alexander-Arnold were joined by Saka, Cole Plamer and Jude Bellingham in stepping up from the spot to get the better of Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Fifth taker Alexander-Arnold scored the winning penalty and after celebrating with his team-mates, he was filmed having chat with his brother.
During the jubilant conversation, the 25-year-old could be overheard saying: “He didn’t want to take one,” sparking speculation on social media.
Fans have produced a number of theories in an attempt to discover who didn’t want to step up. Given that he was subbed off for Alexander-Arnold so late in extra-time, Foden’s name has been banded around, as has Kane’s.
“Foden for sure. Hooked with 7 mins left for Trent,” one fan wrote on social media. Another added: “It could probably be Eze since he looked nervous but I think it’s definitely Foden.” A third, however, argued: “Probably Kane because he’s been shocking most the tournament.”
As for those who were still on the pitch during the shootout, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Luke Shaw, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze all didn’t take a penalty. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also didn’t, having memorably scored one against Switzerland in the 2019 Nations League third-place play-off.
Alexander-Arnold also could’ve been talking about a Switzerland player, with Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji going first for them and seeing his effort saved by Pickford. Ex-Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri was also a taker for the Swiss, slotting home to keep their dream alive until former team-mate Alexander-Arnold finished them off.
England’s penalty takers were chosen by Southgate and his coaching staff rather than the players nominating themselves. That’ll be the same if it goes to penalties in their semi-final against the Netherlands, the third time England have reached the last four of a tournament in Southgate’s tenure.
