Trent Alexander-Arnold was overheard after England's penalty shootout win over Switzerland suggesting a team-mate didn't want to take a spot-kick.
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Alexander-Arnold discusses shootoutEngland player may have refused penaltyVictory means Euro 2024 semi-finalsWHAT HAPPENED?
The Liverpool player, who came off the bench towards the end of extra-time of the 1-1 draw, was filmed speaking with his two brothers in the stands after the game. It was during the exchange that he seemed to suggest an England team-mate didn't want to take a penalty in the shootout. There is no clue as to who it may have been, whether they were even still on the pitch by the end of extra-time, or if that person did actually ended up going to the spot anyway.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
England scored five times from the spot to knock out the Swiss. Alexander-Arnold got the fifth to win it 5-3 after earlier conversions from Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Ivan Toney. Jordan Pickford saved Switzerland's opening attempt from Manuel Akanji. Declan Rice, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Eberechi Eze, Luke Shaw and Jordan Pickford were the available players who didn't take one. Phil Foden had gone off in the last few minutes of extra-time, replaced by Alexander-Arnold.
WHAT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD SAID
Despite the conversation being mostly drowned out by the noise still inside the stadium, Alexander-Arnold could clearly be heard saying: "He didn't want to take one."
DID YOU KNOW?
It was the first time England have ever scored five penalties out of five in a penalty shootout at a European Championship or World Cup. It was also their first Euros shootout victory since beating Spain 4-2 from the spot (when not all five penalties were needed) way back in the 1996 quarter-final. Losses in between came against Germany (1996), Portugal (2004) and Italy (2012, 2021).