England’s penalty success rate in the 2023-24 season has been nothing short of remarkable, with only one miss out of 52 attempts. This equates to a staggering 98% success rate, a statistic that will surely bring relief to England fans haunted by past penalty failures.
The sole blemish on this otherwise impeccable record came from Kieran Trippier, who fired wide in a penalty shootout for Newcastle against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. Trippier’s miss serves as a reminder that even the best can falter under the pressure of a penalty situation.
When it comes to the placement of successful penalties, England players have shown versatility. Out of the 52 penalties converted, 20 were placed to the right, 18 to the left, and 13 down the middle. This balanced distribution indicates that England’s penalty takers are well-equipped to exploit any weaknesses in opposition goalkeepers.
However, while England’s success rate is impressive, the lingering memory of penalties costing them dearly at major tournaments remains. In the 2022 World Cup, Harry Kane had the chance to secure victory for England in the match against France but failed to convert his second penalty attempt. This ultimately led to England’s elimination at the quarter-final stage.
Similarly, at Euro 2020, England had a golden opportunity to claim their first trophy since 1966. However, they faltered in the penalty shootout against Italy, resulting in a heartbreaking defeat. The weight of these past failures adds an extra layer of pressure to England’s upcoming penalty-taking endeavors.
Despite these setbacks, England’s record in shootouts under manager Gareth Southgate has not been entirely bleak. They emerged victorious in a penalty shootout against Switzerland in the 2019 Nations League, winning 6-5. Additionally, they triumphed over Colombia in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup, winning 4-3 on penalties. These successes offer a glimmer of hope and demonstrate that England can prevail in high-stakes penalty situations.
Looking ahead, Southgate faces the challenge of selecting the best penalty takers for his squad. Cole Palmer has been the most prolific scorer from the spot this season but is likely to face competition from players like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Jude Bellingham for key positions. The depth of talent in England’s attacking options presents a dilemma for Southgate as he strives to field a cohesive team that maximizes their penalty-taking potential.
In conclusion, England’s penalty success rate in the 2023-24 season is a testament to their skill and composure under pressure. While past failures loom large in the minds of fans, recent triumphs in shootouts offer hope for future success. The selection of the best penalty takers will be crucial for Southgate as he aims to navigate the treacherous waters of knockout football. Only time will tell if England can exorcise their penalty demons and emerge triumphant on the international stage.