England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia next week, but the Three Lions are likely to need another penalty shootout win to progress further in the tournament
England national team manager Thomas Tuchel
Manager Thomas Tuchel has warned England’s stars that they need to win in two penalty shootouts if they want to qualify for the World Cup.
Tuchel has already had his team practice spot-kicks and prepare for this summer’s nerve-wracking penalty shootouts.
England manager Tuchel delivered a message to his players in meetings and individually ahead of their chances of progressing to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Tuchel’s backroom staff have looked at various aspects, statistics and research in the lead-up to the World Cup and have come up with the idea that they could face two shootouts if they go all the way.
Obviously, this isn’t an exact science, but the expanded 48-team tournament will have an additional knockout round, and weather conditions could also result in a close game to end the stalemate.
England ended their closed-door training session with Miami FC on penalties on Thursday, but Tuchel has already brought in penalty specialists such as Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka.
Tuchel even mentioned that one of the reasons he chose Toney was because the striker scored in the shootout against Switzerland at the last Euros and had great technique.
England had a terrible record, losing three straight in 1990, 1998 and 2006, until 2018, when they defeated Colombia on penalties.
Anthony Gordon scores a penalty kick in World Cup pre-match vs. Costa Rica
However, having lost the 2021 Euro final on penalties, Tuchel is adamant they will face more drama in this tournament and is determined to be fully prepared for it.
England are also considering other information, including believing it is very likely only 21 players will actually be available for matches at the World Cup.
With the unlucky five likely to include two reserve keepers, Tuchel was determined to select talented tourists such as Jordan Henderson and Dan Byrne.
Jude Bellingham is favorite to start at number 10 as England prepare for their first World Cup group game against Croatia next Wednesday, with Bukayo Saka hoping to get fit, while Ezri Konsa and John Stones impressed as the central defensive partnership against Costa Rica.
They practiced set pieces in an informal session with Miami FC, which consisted of two 25-minute matches. Tuchel believes free kicks and corner kicks will also be important at this World Cup.
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