England’s five penalty heroes against Switzerland never looked like missing – but one has caught everyone’s attention.
England are through to the semi-final of Euro 2024 after scoring all five penalties in their shootout victory over Switzerland on Saturday to set up a tie against the Netherlands, live on talkSPORT.
Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold all converted their spot-kicks but Ivan Toney’s effort was simply sublime – never looking once at the ball and instead staring Yann Sommer in his eyes as he planted his penalty past him with incredible accuracy.
England fans could not get enough of the Brentford star’s effort, something Bees fans are accustomed to as his preferred style from the 12-yard spot.
And that has included Phil Foden, who called Toney ‘crazy’ for his antics when speaking to talkSPORT.
When asked by talkSPORT which penalty was his favourite, Foden replied: “I think Ivan’s to be honest.
“It is crazy how he never looks at the ball and generates the power that he needs to score.
“Yeah, I just find it unbelievable how he does that.”
While Toney’s penalty was exceptional, it cannot be ignored how well the other four stepped up to send England through after Swiss defender Manuel Akanji saw his effort saved by Jordan Pickford.
Foden, however, had been substituted at this point and was not available to take a penalty, though he has insisted he would have taken one had he been asked.
The Manchester City star 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.
“It makes sense for them to take it. I think that is what Gareth [Southgate] done, put the best penalty takers on the pitch.
“I am glad he did that, now, as it definitely worked in our favour.
“I think it is a confidence thing. If you believe you are going to score, then you can definitely be a penalty taker.
“I wouldn’t have minded taking one if I was still on the pitch but there are probably better penalty takers than me [in the team].”
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News Summary:
- Phil Foden explains which England teammate’s ‘crazy’ penalty he loved the most
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