Manchester United’s Luke Shaw demonstrated a remarkable display of sportsmanship as he chose not to join his team in celebrating their penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland.
The defender, who was brought on as a second-half substitute, instead immediately approached the Swiss players to offer handshakes following his side’s dramatic victory. Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold successfully converted their penalties, following Jordan Pickford’s save of Manuel Akanji’s initial attempt for Switzerland.
While most of the England squad rushed to join Alexander-Arnold in his sprint towards the Three Lions supporters, Shaw showed his respect for Granit Xhaka and his teammates by consoling them. The Swiss players were visibly emotional, shedding tears as they were knocked out of the competition.
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However, Shaw stood out as the only player who refrained from celebrating, choosing instead to shake hands with as many Swiss players as he could reach. The former Southampton man was introduced into the game at the 78-minute mark, shortly after Breel Embolo had put Switzerland ahead with a far-post goal, reports the Express.
However, the lead was short-lived as Saka equalised just moments later with a low shot from the edge of the box past Yann Sommer, pushing the match into extra-time. Harry Kane, wearing his captain’s armband, was substituted in extra time after tumbling into the advertising boards, resulting in a thigh injury.
Stepping up as his replacement, Toney showed supreme confidence, coolly slotting home a penalty without even glancing at the ball during his run-up. The Brentford star scored just before Alexander-Arnold sealed the victory with the final kick.
Relaying the pressure of the moment in a post-match interview, the Liverpool defender shared his preparedness for the occasion, stating: “It is what we have practiced. When the gaffer said I was taking one, I enjoy it and I practice it – I knew I had to just execute it. All five penalties from us were great.
“Incredible, these are the goals that we set for ourselves. Difficult opponent going behind and the team showed a lot of character, belief, heart and spirit out there. We knew it was going to be tight. Whatever it takes and no matter what we win – that is all that matters to us.”
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