Wednesday, 16th June 2010

England suffered heartbreak through penalties when they were eliminated by Portugal in Germany 2006, with Owen Hargreaves, surprisingly the only English player able to convert from the spot. Although penalty shootouts are generally considered lotteries, the Three Lions’ shockingly bad execution against the Portuguese has them geared and ready should penalties be needed again.

Resident England right-back Glen Johnson may have missed out on the last World Cup, but he claims he is ready to take the responsibility of taking a spot kick if needed, saying on Liverpool’s official website, “I believe you’ve got to step up to the plate if needed (to take a penalty). I think I’ve taken three penalties during my career but, if called upon, you need to do it."

Before penalties become an issue however, England will have to secure their qualification to the knockout stages, which, after their disappointing draw with the United States, is far from certain.

 

 

 

 


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