Thomas Tuchel has issued a stark warning to his England squad: to win the World Cup, they must be prepared to win two penalty shoot-outs. The manager's assessment is based on statistics, probability, and historical precedent. With England's tournament history defined by spot-kick drama—from the pain of Euro 96 to the glory against Colombia in 2018—Tuchel is ensuring his players are mentally and technically ready.
England's Shoot-Out History
England have won three and lost seven shoot-outs in men's Euros and World Cups. The most recent was the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland, where they triumphed 5-3 with flawless penalties from Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—all without Harry Kane on the pitch.
However, Alexander-Arnold (100% career penalty record in shoot-outs), Palmer (91% overall, 100% in shoot-outs), and Harry Maguire (86%) are not in the current squad. Despite this, Tuchel has 11 regular penalty takers at his disposal, and the team has been practising regularly since arriving in Florida, including a mock shoot-out after a behind-closed-doors friendly.
England's Penalty Takers: The Rankings
1. Harry Kane
Kane missed one penalty in the tournament (retaken and scored), showing calmness under pressure. He missed a crucial second penalty against France in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final but has a 100% shoot-out record and 89.4% overall (110 scored from 123). He will likely take first if on the pitch.
2. Ivan Toney
Toney is deadly from the spot, with a 91% career record (67 from 73) and 10 from 12 in shoot-outs. His no-look technique exudes confidence, and Tuchel values him as a "special ops" finisher for late-game situations.
3. Marcus Rashford
Rashford missed in the Euro 2020 final but has a strong technique and belief. He has scored three and missed one in shoot-outs, with 21 from 24 overall (87.5%).
4. Bukayo Saka
Saka has 19 from 22 (86.4%) overall, with his only shoot-out miss being the Euro 2020 heartbreak. Fitness over 120 minutes is a concern.
5. Anthony Gordon
Gordon has a 94% record (17 from 18), with one miss overall and a 100% shoot-out record. He scored in a Florida friendly and could be deployed solely for penalties in extra time.
6. Reece James
James has a perfect record: five from five overall and four from four in shoot-outs.
7. Elliot Anderson
Another 100% record: five from five overall, with a cool head and temperament.
8. Jude Bellingham
Bellingham has a strong mentality with five from six overall and three from three in shoot-outs.
9. Declan Rice
Rice has scored five from seven overall (two misses) but wants the opportunity.
10. Ollie Watkins
Watkins has a patchy record: nine from 16 overall (56%), but three from three (100%) in shoot-outs.
11. Eberechi Eze
Eze has eight from 12 overall (66%) and a poor shoot-out record: one from three (33%). He missed in the Champions League final but says he would not hesitate to take one.
Tuchel has made it clear that preparation is key. As England brace for the knock-out stages, fans should ready their fingernails for the inevitable drama.
