England midfielder, Phil Foden, has refuted rumours that he didn’t want to take a penalty during their shoot-out win over Switzerland in a Euro 2024 quarter-final.
The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, with Bukayo Saka cancelling out Breel Embolo’s goal.
During the shoot-out, all five of the England takers converted their kicks, while Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s effort.
After the game, some fans speculated on social media that Foden did not want to take a penalty and hence was subbed off in extra time for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold himself was also overheard suggesting one of his team-mates had shied away from taking a kick.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Foden said, “I would have taken one if I was still on the pitch but I think there are players who take them regularly for their clubs so it makes sense for them to take them.
“I think that’s what Gareth did, put the best penalty-takers on the pitch. I’m glad he did that now because it definitely worked in our favour.
“I feel like it’s a confidence thing, if you believe you’re going to score you can definitely be a penalty-taker. Like I said, I wouldn’t have minded taking one if I was still on the pitch but there are probably better penalty-takers than me.”
Euro 2024: There are better takers – Foden speaks on refusing to play penalties