Every winning team at the European Championship since 2008 has had to succeed at a penalty shootout. It’s a harsh reality that turns dreams into nightmares. Just a single kick, a fleeting moment over in seconds, etches a player’s name into the chronicles of heartbreak or triumph.
England in particular has a difficult history with penalties, having been knocked out of international tournaments on numerous occasions that way. A failed penalty shootout in the final of Euro 2020 not only meant losing the tournament to Italy, but also led to a torrent of racist abuse directed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, who missed their spot kicks.
For many, the prospect of this ultimate test of nerve and concentration induces a sense of dread. In that moment, the weight an entire nation’s hopes rests squarely upon their shoulders, a burden so immense that even the most battle-hardened professionals can crumble. So, what can young players do to strengthen their resilience?
