Euro 2024: Foden Addresses Claims of Avoiding Penalty Duty, Says Others Were Better Takers

England midfielder Phil Foden has denied rumors that he refused to take a penalty during their shoot-out victory over Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-final.

The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, with Bukayo Saka equalizing Breel Embolo’s goal. During the shoot-out, all five of England’s designated takers converted their penalties, while Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s attempt.

Following the game, some fans speculated on social media that Foden did not want to take a penalty and was therefore subbed off in extra time for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Alexander-Arnold was also overheard suggesting that one of his teammates had avoided taking a kick.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Foden clarified, “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 favor.

“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.”