England manager Thomas Tuchel has warned his stars they will need to win two penalty shoot-outs if they want to lift the World Cup. Tuchel has already put his squad through spot-kick practice to prepare for the nerve-wracking drama of penalties this summer.
Tuchel's Message to the Squad
The England boss has spelled out his message in team meetings and individual talks ahead of potential knockout ties. His backroom staff have analyzed various aspects, stats, and research leading into the World Cup, concluding that the team could face two shoot-outs if they go all the way.
While it is not an exact science, the expanded 48-team tournament includes an extra knockout round, and weather conditions may lead to tighter games that end in deadlocks.
Penalty Practice and Specialists
England concluded their behind-closed-doors practice against Miami FC with a shoot-out. Tuchel has penalty specialists in his squad, including Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka. He even noted that one reason for picking Toney was his penalty technique and his successful spot-kick against Switzerland in the last Euros.
England had a dreadful shoot-out record, losing three in a row in 1990, 1998, and 2006 until they beat Colombia on penalties in 2018. However, they lost the Euro 2021 final in a shoot-out, and Tuchel is adamant they will face even more drama in this tournament.
Unlucky Five and Squad Selection
England's analysis suggests only 21 players will likely get game time in the World Cup. The unlucky five are expected to include two reserve goalkeepers, leading Tuchel to select good tourists like Jordan Henderson and Dan Burn.
Preparations for Croatia Clash
England are gearing up for their first World Cup group match against Croatia next Wednesday. Jude Bellingham is favorite to start in the No.10 role, Bukayo Saka hopes to be fit, and Ezri Konsa and John Stones impressed as a central defensive partnership against Costa Rica.
The team practiced set-pieces in their informal behind-closed-doors session against Miami FC, played in two 25-minute halves. Tuchel believes free-kicks and corners will be vital in this World Cup.
