Support truly
independent journalism
Cole Palmer admits the pressure of taking a penalty ramps up when it comes to a shoot-out – but insists he would be ready to take one for England at Euro 2024.
With the knockout stages in full swing, England are preparing for a quarter-final clash against Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday evening.
Gareth Southgate’s side needed extra-time to beat Slovakia in the previous round and the potential for a penalty shoot-out will once again be hanging over the tie at Merkur Spiel-Arena.
England’s tournament history is pockmarked by penalty heartbreak but they did beat the Swiss in the Nations League third-place play-off five years ago.
In Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Bukayo Saka and Palmer, Southgate can also call upon a host of players who are the first-choice takers at their respective clubs.
Palmer scored all nine of his spot-kicks during Chelsea games last season – as well as another in a shoot-out win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.
“It is so much different,” Palmer said of stepping up in a shoot-out rather than during a match.
“I was talking about this the other day with someone. Everything. When you know you are going to take a penalty you start thinking. And then there is the coin toss and everything.
If you miss and everyone scores, it’s all your fault. It’s just more pressure— Cole Palmer
“You have to stand there and watch everyone else take it, the pressure builds up and up and up. In a game, if you miss there is still time to do something, to score.
“If you miss there isn’t time to redeem yourself. If you miss and everyone scores, it’s all your fault. It’s just more pressure.”
Despite the added pressure, Palmer would be raring to go if called upon.
“I’d be nominated on the pitch and wouldn’t have a choice but would take one,” he told BBC Radio 5Live.
“I’ve only taken two penalties in shoot-outs and missed one in the Youth Cup but I was a baby. And at Newcastle this season.”
Palmer enjoyed an impressive first season at Stamford Bridge having joined from Manchester City last summer.
His form earned him a first senior England call-up in November, which pushed him to end the campaign well and secure a spot in Southgate’s squad for the Euros.
“I went to my first camp in November and I remember thinking after that, ‘I need to step up a bit more here’,” he explained to talkSPORT.
“I remember getting back and we had Newcastle away and I had my worst game of the season. I thought, ‘Ahhh no’.
“Then after that things took off even more. Then after the March camp, I thought right one last push and I was just scoring and scoring. So I thought maybe I have a chance.”
A number of stuttering attacking displays from England have led to calls for Palmer to come into the starting XI.
He has so far come off the bench against both Slovenia and Slovakia to add fresh impetus at the top end of the pitch.
“Obviously I want to start,” he added.
“Everyone wants to start but if I don’t start I’ve got to make enough impact from the bench to give the manager a decision.”
