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4 July 2026

Here we go once again. England have advanced to the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup, and as they prepare to face Mexico in the round of 16, the familiar tension of a potential penalty shootout hovers over the contest.

For decades, England’s relationship with penalty shootouts was one riddled with heartbreak. Their exit from Italia ’90 came at the hands of West Germany via spot kicks, followed by further defeats to Argentina in 1998 and Portugal in 2006 under similar circumstances.

The long-standing jinx was finally broken in 2018 when Gareth Southgate’s well-drilled preparations led to England’s first-ever World Cup shootout victory, defeating Colombia in the round of 16.

Since then, England have triumphed in two more shootouts against Switzerland – in 2019 and again in 2024 – though that success came between the painful Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.

Historically, about a third of World Cup knockout matches proceed to extra time, and roughly a quarter are decided by penalties. Thomas Tuchel has suggested that if England are to lift the World Cup trophy in North America, they would likely have to win two shootouts along the way.

Tuchel promised to continue where Southgate’s meticulous systems left off. “I have, at the highest level for many years, a penalty programme that makes it simple – we just identify who the best takers are. We train it, we follow a clear process. We are ready,” he said.

He added, “This part of football has become so important that preparation is everything. We have assistant coaches and backroom staff who have built one of the best penalty systems I’ve ever seen. We know exactly what to expect, and the framework is in place.”

So, who are England’s most reliable penalty takers if the big moment arrives?

Harry Kane – 122 taken, 108 scored (89%)

The England captain would almost certainly take the first penalty. He has already converted 19 spot-kicks this season for Bayern Munich and England, including one against Croatia in the group stage after it was retaken.

Kane alternates between two techniques — sometimes pausing in his run-up to outwait the goalkeeper before slotting it the other way, and sometimes striking powerfully without hesitation. That unpredictability keeps goalkeepers guessing. Although he missed against France in the 2022 quarter-final, he went nearly three years without another failure and has never missed in a shootout, scoring five from five.

Ivan Toney – 62 taken, 58 scored (94%)

Both Toney and Tuchel have been clear that the striker’s role in the squad extends beyond penalties, but it’s undeniable that his exceptional record from the spot enhances his value. The Al-Ahli striker’s calm stare-down technique – waiting for the goalkeeper to move before finishing without even glancing at the ball – sets him apart. Toney came off the bench to score in the Euro 2024 shootout win over Switzerland, where England converted all five. Although he hasn’t featured yet in this World Cup, Tuchel is likely to summon him if a shootout looms.

Bukayo Saka – 16 taken, 14 scored (88%)

Saka was warmly applauded at Premier League grounds at the start of the 2021/22 season after the abuse he suffered following the Euro 2020 final. He has since shown great resilience, scoring in the Euro 2024 quarter-final shootout against Switzerland. The Arsenal winger scored both of his two penalties this season and has missed only once in three years.

Marcus Rashford – 20 taken, 18 scored (90%)

Rashford was among the trio who missed in the Euro 2020 final alongside Saka and Jadon Sancho, leading to abhorrent racist abuse. Southgate later admitted he regretted introducing Rashford and Sancho so late into the match. Despite that disappointment, Rashford’s recent record is strong – he has scored 14 consecutive penalties since 2019, though he’s taken only one this season (against Serbia in qualifying). His participation in a shootout may depend on whether he’s still on the field or replaced by another reliable option.

Anthony Gordon – 17 taken, 16 scored (94%)

If Rashford is substituted, Gordon would likely step up. The Newcastle forward has an excellent record from the spot, converting 12 of 13 for his club and scoring in the World Cup warm-up win over Costa Rica when Kane was off the pitch.

Jude Bellingham – 5 taken, 4 scored (80%)

Bellingham doesn’t have a wide history of taking penalties – he hasn’t taken one for Real Madrid in 18 months, with Kylian Mbappe assuming those duties – but his composure under pressure makes him a natural candidate. He scored in the Euro 2024 shootout against Switzerland. Declan Rice praised England’s current roster of penalty takers, saying, “I look at this group and think this might be the best batch of penalty-takers England have ever had.”

Declan Rice – 3 taken, 1 scored (33%)

Rice’s record from the spot isn’t stellar, having missed two of three for West Ham. However, he confidently struck his effort during Arsenal’s Champions League final shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and remains a strong option given his set-piece ability and leadership qualities.

Eberechi Eze – 9 taken, 7 scored (78%)

Eze could be introduced late in a long match and may be trusted with a penalty if needed. Although his experience is limited, he has shown composure in similar situations. He missed one of four for Crystal Palace and his only attempt for Arsenal in the Champions League final shootout.

Among those less likely to take one is Ollie Watkins. The striker’s stunning extra-time winner against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final remains unforgettable, but his penalty record — 13 taken, six scored, seven missed — is concerning. He also missed his two most recent for Aston Villa last year.

Other possible takers include Elliot Anderson and Reece James, both of whom have scored their only career penalties and have proven records in shootouts. And if it goes all the way to sudden death, England can count on Jordan Pickford not just for his saves, but also for his composure with the ball at his feet.

England’s likely five penalty takers: Kane, Toney, Saka, Rashford or Gordon, and Bellingham.