Who is the England star who ‘didn’t want to take a penalty’? Trent Alexander-Arnold was caught telling friends that a team-mate didn’t want to take a penalty during the Euro penalty shootout in Switzerland

Trent Alexander-Arnold has sparked speculation after he was overheard telling friends about an England team-mate who “didn’t want to take a penalty” during the penalty shootout win over Switzerland.

The Liverpool star came on in the second half of extra time to take a penalty and scored the decisive spot-kick to send England into the semi-finals.

Alexander-Arnold had been called upon by Gareth Southgate to take a penalty, a decision that paid off as he sent Yann Sommer the wrong way after Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Ivan Toney had all scored.

The 25-year-old celebrated his match with friends and family – and was heard saying “he didn’t want to take one” in a video that has gone viral.

His comment sparked a debate over who did not want to take a penalty.

Players on the pitch at the time of the penalty shootout who did not take a penalty included Jordan Pickford, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice, Luke Shaw and Eberechi Eze.

But the two players fans thought the 25-year-old was talking about were Harry Kane and Phil Foden.

Both players came off during extra time, with Alexander-Arnold replacing Foden and Toney replacing Kane – moments after the England captain collided with Southgate on the touchline after being pushed by Manuel Akanji.

One fan wrote: “Foden for sure. Hooked with 7 minutes to go for Trent.”

Another Twitter user posted: “He didn’t want to take a single body” of Foden.

A third person suggested Foden, saying: “It could probably be Eze as he looked nervous but I think it’s definitely Foden.”

“Probably Kane as he has been surprising throughout the tournament,” wrote another supporter.

One Arsenal fan dismissed suggestions it could be Rice, saying: “Kane and Foden clashed before pens and Chelsea fans are shouting rice in replies,” with laughing emojis.

One England fan slammed Alexander-Arnold for his comment directed at his family, writing: “It doesn’t reflect well on Trent if the England camp sees this.”

It is also possible that Alexander-Arnold was talking about a Swiss player. He is said to have faced Manchester City’s Akanji on several occasions and also played with Xherdan Shaqiri at Liverpool.

“These are the targets we have set for ourselves,” the Liverpool defender told BBC Sport.

“They were tough opponents, again they were behind. The team showed a lot of character, a lot of confidence, a lot of heart and spirit on the pitch. They dug deep when it mattered most and obviously they got the win on penalties.”

“We knew it was going to be close and we were never going to win the game, even though it would have been nice.

“But whatever it takes, whatever happens, we win. And that’s all that matters to us.”