Cameras spotted Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially drop an England bombshell following the win against Switzerland.
The Liverpool defender was widely expected to start England’s quarter-final clash against the Swiss, with various reports claiming Gareth Southgate would move to a three-man defence.
It was not to be as Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier retained their places in the starting XI and Alexander-Arnold was restricted to another appearance from the bench.
Despite coming on in extra-time, the full-back was picked as England’s fifth spot-kick taker but made no mistake from 12 yards to send England into the semi-final.
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His assured penalty sparked wild celebrations in the stadium and the Liverpool man was caught on camera in conversation with his brothers in the stands while England fans soaked in the victory.
Fans think he might have dropped a huge penalty bombshell by claiming one of England’s players didn’t want to step up to the spot.
He appears to say: “He didn’t want to take it,” though it is unclear as to which player he could have been referring too.
The England players who didn’t take a penalty were John Stones, Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze, with Phil Foden and Harry Kane being replaced in extra-time.
Despite his limited opportunities at the tournament since the opening group game, Alexander-Arnold issued an extremely mature post-match interview after the victory.
He praised the character shown by the Three Lions during a gritty victory.
"Incredible. These are the goals we set for ourselves. The team showed a lot of character, belief, heart and spirit, dug deep when it mattered most," he said on the BBC.
"We knew we were never going to run away with the game, so whatever it takes, no matter what, we win.
"That’s all that matters to us."
England will continue their Euro 2024 campaign against either the Netherlands or Turkiye on July 10.
Marcus Banks