England had once again flattered to deceive as they somehow found a route to the semi-finals, despite falling behind to a Breel Embolo goal 15 minutes from time. Bukayo Saka responded five minutes later, with the game needing penalties to decide it after extra time yielded no more goals.
After Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s first effort, it was left to Alexander-Arnold to step up for the decisive penalty. The 25-year-old made no mistake as he sent Yann Sommer the wrong way with a perfectly executed strike to confirm England’s place in the last four.
Having only replaced Phil Foden with five minutes to go in extra time though, Alexander-Arnold may not have been down to take a penalty originally.
There’s no indication who the Liverpool star was referring to though. England’s regular penalty taker, Harry Kane, had already been substituted before Alexander-Arnold took to the pitch, while Ezri Konsa Kieran Trippier and Kobbie Mainoo also made way.
Speaking to the BBC after the game, Alexander-Arnold said: “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. 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.”
Liverpool.com says: England has a lot to thank Alexander-Arnold for. Stepping up for that final penalty after just five minutes on the pitch was certainly a gamble, but he never looked under any pressure, and his penalty was just about as good as you can get.
If it’s true that one of the players didn’t want to take a penalty as well, then Alexander-Arnold’s effort is just all the more impressive. Let’s hope he’s rewarded with a deserved spot in the starting line-up against the Netherlands, although we won’t hold our breath for that.
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