Yahoo News Who didn't want to take a penalty in England shootout? And why it doesn't matter
One of the more annoying things to emerge from England's glorious penalty shootout win against Switzerland was footage of Trent Alexander-Arnold talking to his friends and family after the match and seemingly saying 'he didn't want to take one' - or words to that effect. The footage spread like wildfire on social media and immediately made me feel uneasy.
It was a sour note on an otherwise great night. Yes England didn't play amazingly well - but their performance was much improved - and I still have high hopes for Wednesday's game against Netherlands. But this insight into an England star's views created the feeling that there could be divisions in the camp - and that didn't sit right with me.
Firstly, it was a private conversation. Yes it took place in public and yes perhaps Trent should have been more cautious - no doubt with a handful of smartphones pointing at him. But he was clearly laughing and joking and ecstatic at what had just happened. He was off-guard and surely felt he was having a private conversation.
READ MORE: England fans risk £5,000 fine for singing 'it's coming home' in cars
Secondly, he was responding to a question or statement from one of his group when he made the statement. So it wasn't information that he was giving out without being prompted to do so. So he wasn't gossiping, more just responding to a statement or question. But really, who cares if someone doesn't want to take a penalty? In fact, I applaud whichever hero it was - because I'd rather an England player is brave enough to say 'no' than be stupid enough to take a spot-kick without full confidence.
Phil Foden, who was taken off in extra time, has ruled himself out of being the player in question in an interview with Talk Sport and indeed pointed out that the penalty takers who stepped out were selected by the manager - as it should be. I'm sure Harry Kane wanted to take a penalty but he was in no fit state and had already been benched having been unceremoniously barged into the dugout by Manuel Akanji.
It could have been Eberechi Eze - who takes penalties for his club side Crystal Palace - or indeed Declan Rice. Or it could have been a different substitute who could have come on the pitch for the last few minutes - Ollie Watkins for example. But I actually think Trent was talking about a Switzerland player.
READ MORE: Adorable moment Manchester City-mad dog cheers on England in Euros shootout win
Before he utters the phrase 'he didn't want to take one' - he says something else. He says 'yeah, yeah, yeah' .... followed by a word or name. I think this name was Akanji, who of course missed for Switzerland and who would surely, as a defender, be an unnatural choice to take a penalty.
That leads me to think Trent's friends said something along the lines of 'that was a terrible first penalty wasn't it?' or 'I can't believe they let that Swiss defender take a penalty' - to which Trent smiles and laughs and tells them the inside scoop. He would know this because several of the England players spoke to Akanji after the game - to console him.
Granted I'm overthinking this - and it probably sounds a bit like a conspiracy theory (I'll go and get my tin foil hat) but I'm trying to think the best of my England team. I imagine players have been told to shut down any lines of questioning on the clip so I doubt we'll be getting a full explanation - and I guess it would be disrespectful to the Swiss team if Trent were to admit he was talking about his opponents.
Perhaps we may find out after the tournament. But for now, I think we should all be focussing on Wednesday and the all important semi-final against Netherlands. Germany won the Euros in England 28 years ago. Now it's time for payback. Come on England!
