England’s Bukayo Saka and Luke Shaw have expressed their amazement at Ivan Toney’s unique no-look penalty technique. Saka, who scored the equalizing goal in England’s quarter-final match against Switzerland, said that the players are “in awe” of Toney’s ability to score without even looking at the ball. Shaw added that it is “crazy” to watch the replays of Toney’s penalties, especially when the camera focuses on his face.
Toney, who has only missed one of his last 31 penalties, practices from 13 yards instead of the standard 12 to make the goal appear larger during matches. He has vowed to continue his no-look approach, stating that it is his routine and it has been working for him. In England’s shootout victory over Switzerland, Toney was one of five players who scored perfect penalties, along with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also played a crucial role in the shootout, saving Switzerland’s first penalty.
In light of England’s penalty shootout success, football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has provided advice to Gareth Southgate and his players on how to improve their performance in shootouts. Jordet suggests that teams should start planning for shootouts well in advance and focus on winning the psychological game against opponents. He also recommends that Southgate use the two minutes he has to influence his players effectively and demonstrate a clear plan. Additionally, he advises teams to work together as a unit during shootouts and create two-versus-one situations against the opposing goalkeeper. Individual players should have rehearsed pre-shot routines that are reliable under pressure. Finally, Jordet suggests simulating penalty shootouts in training to improve performance.
One interesting idea proposed by Jordet is making a late substitution for a penalty shootout, potentially bringing in a goalkeeper with a better penalty-saving record. While this may be a bold move, it could add an element of surprise and put more pressure on the opposing team. However, it is unlikely that teams would take such a risk in a crucial match.
In England’s quarter-final match against Switzerland, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had advice for all the Swiss penalty takers printed on his water bottle. Kyle Walker, who is a teammate of Manuel Akanji’s at Manchester City, also helped by pointing to Pickford’s left. Declan Rice played a calming role for the team, encouraging them to use breathing techniques to stay composed during the shootout.
Luke Shaw, who made his return to the England squad after a long-term injury, expressed his gratitude to Gareth Southgate for including him in the team. Shaw had faced setbacks during his recovery but was determined to get back on the field. He credited Southgate for having faith in him.
In addition to the support from Prince William, who has been a regular presence at England matches, Saka was thrilled to receive a message from England legend David Beckham on Instagram. Beckham praised Saka’s performance and said that his smile was exactly what everyone needed to see. Saka was buzzing with excitement upon seeing Beckham’s message and couldn’t stop talking about it.