"I don’t know how he does it" - Bukayo Saka praises England teammate's 'crazy' penalty technique after Euro 2024 QF win
Midfielder Bukayo Saka has praised his England teammate Ivan Toney's penalty technique following the Three Lions' Euro 2024 quarter-final win over Switzerland on penalties in Dusseldorf on Saturday (July 6). Toney came on deep in extra time and scored in the shoot win.
In a contest where neither side dominted proceedings for significant swathes, Switzerland broke the deadlock in the 75th minute following a well-worked move finished off by Breel Embolo. However, the Three Lions' response was swift and decisive.
Boss Gareth Southgate made a triple change, bringing the trio of Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and Luke Shaw. Two minutes later - five minutes after falling behind - Saka produced a marvellous finish, becoming the first Arsenal player to score for the Three Lions at the FIFA World Cup and Euros, to force extra time.
There were more changes in the added period, with Toney replacing Harry Kane and Trent Alexander-Arnold coming on for Phil Foden. The Three Lions eventually won 5-3, with all five of their players - Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, Toney and Alexander-Arnold - scoring.
Praising Toney's shootout technique - where he kept his eyes on the Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer all the time - Saka said in awe (England's YouTube channel via HITC):
“When we see him practising in training, he does the same thing – it’s crazy. We’re all just in awe – I don’t know how you cannot look at the ball. I don’t know how he does it."
Toney, 28, has a near impeccable record from the spot - only two misses out of 33 attempts for club and country - as per Transfermarkt.
"I'm very proud of being able to score that penalty" - Bukayo Saka's England teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold after scoring in Euro 2024 shootout
Trent Alexander-Arnold has only played a bit-part role in England's march to successive European Championship semi-finals. Coming on with a few minutes to go in extra time against Switzerland, the 25-year-old scored the decisive spot-kick to put the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 last-four.
Admitting that he had prepared for the moment, an elated Alexander-Arnold said (as per UEFA) that he's 'excited' and 'proud' for his decisive intervention in the shootout:
"Excitement to be honest. It's a moment I prepared for; they're the moments that all players want to have.
"To be on the final penalty and win it for your country was something I'll never forget. It's a special, special day for me and for a lot of people. I'm very proud of being able to score that penalty."
Gareth Southgate's side take on the Netherlands in the second Euro 2024 semi-final in Dortmund s they move to within two wins of a first international title in 58 years.