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Was Jamie Vardy meant to take a penalty in shootout against Colombia?

Gareth Southgate explained the reason behind his decision as the Three Lions celebrated the win in Moscow

As you’ll all know by now, England finally ended their penalty shootout curse with a win over Colombia.

After the last-16 clash finished 1-1 after extra time, Gareth Southgate had to select five players for the shootout.


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Jamie Vardy scored 23 goals for Leicester last season

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Jamie Vardy scored 23 goals for Leicester last season

But why did Jamie Vardy not take a penalty?

England fans were shocked to see that Leicester City’s talisman was not selected to take a penalty.

It was understood before the match that Vardy was going to be called upon if the game went all the way.

Instead, Eric Dier stepped up to the spot while the 31-year-old remained with his team-mates.

But Southgate explained the reason behind his decision after the final whistle.

England will face Sweden in the quarter-finals of the World Cup

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England will face Sweden in the quarter-finals of the World Cup

He said: “[We were] just making sure we had our order right.

“We had to make a couple of changes because of injuries during the extra-time period.

“But we knew it was a process we were in charge of and the guys executed it brilliantly.”

Vardy appeared to be clutching his groin (in the image above) when the England players ran off to celebrate Dier’s winning penalty.


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