Football News: Foden Denies Penalty Refusal Claims as England Advance to Euro 2024 Semifinals
In a thrilling quarter-final match at the Euro 2024 tournament, England defeated Switzerland in a penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1 in regulation. The victory has set up a highly anticipated semifinal clash against the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Amidst the excitement, there were reports suggesting that Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden had declined to take a penalty for England during the shootout. However, the 24-year-old has strongly refuted these claims, insisting that he was ready and willing to step up when called upon.
“I don’t know where that story came from, but it’s simply not true,” Foden said in a post-match interview. “I was fully prepared to take a penalty if the manager had asked me to. I’m proud to represent my country, and I would never shy away from that responsibility.”
The match saw Foden being substituted late in the game, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold coming on to take the decisive spot kick that sealed England’s progress to the semifinals. The decision to replace Foden raised some eyebrows, but manager Gareth Southgate insisted that it was a tactical move and had nothing to do with the player’s willingness to take a penalty.
“Phil has been excellent for us throughout the tournament, and he remains a crucial part of our squad,” Southgate said. “The decision to bring on Trent was purely based on the specific situation in that moment, and it had nothing to do with Phil’s commitment or ability.”
The Euro 2024 semifinal between England and the Netherlands is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure a place in the final. Fans and pundits alike will be closely watching the performance of Phil Foden and the rest of the England squad as they aim to continue their impressive run in the tournament.
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