When you think of dramatic moments in football, penalty shootouts often come to mind.
England’s recent triumph over Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals has sparked quite the conversation, especially about one player’s unexpected reaction.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, known for his composure under pressure, was brought on during the second half of extra time specifically to take a penalty.
His successful strike sent England into the semi-finals, leaving fans both relieved and curious.
In a post-match celebration with friends and family, a comment he made quickly went viral: “He didn’t want to take one.”
This offhand remark ignited a debate among fans and pundits alike.
Who was the player reluctant to step up for the penalty? Social media exploded with theories, narrowing it down to two main suspects: Harry Kane and Phil Foden.
Kane, usually a reliable penalty taker, and Foden, who was substituted late in the game, became the center of speculation.
Fan Reactions
Fans took to platforms like X to voice their thoughts.
“He didn’t wanna take one” bodied Foden,” one fan tweeted, while another speculated, “Can only think it was Kane or Foden.”
Theories continued to pour in, with some suggesting other players like Declan Rice or Eberechi Eze might have been involved.
Who Was on the Pitch?
At the time of the shootout, several key players, including Jordan Pickford, John Stones, Kyle Walker, and Luke Shaw, were present but did not take penalties.
Both Foden and Kane were on the pitch before being substituted, adding fuel to the fire of speculation.
Kane’s Penalty History
Harry Kane has a strong track record with penalties for England, making it surprising that he might have been hesitant.
However, considering the pressure of the moment, anything is possible.
Alternatively, some wondered if Alexander-Arnold’s comment could have been about a Swiss player, given his familiarity with some of them from club matches.
Official Word from the Camp
Sources close to the England team clarified that penalty takers were pre-selected by Gareth Southgate and his coaching staff, leaving little room for personal choice.
This insight adds another layer to the mystery, suggesting that the decision was strategic rather than a matter of preference.
Moving Forward
England’s victory marks their third penalty shootout success under Southgate, a significant improvement from past performances.
As they prepare to face the Netherlands in the semi-finals, the team and their fans are riding high on this latest win.
Looking Ahead
With the next match against the Netherlands looming, England will need to stay focused and ready for any challenge.
Ronald Koeman’s side showed resilience by coming from behind to beat Turkey, setting the stage for an exciting and potentially nail-biting semi-final clash.
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