The success of England’s penalty shootout against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-final can be attributed to meticulous planning and a refined process that the team has developed over the years. Unlike previous failures, this time the players knew what they were doing and executed their penalties with ease. According to Geir Jordet, author of “Pressure: Lessons From The Psychology Of The Penalty Shootout,” England’s penalty-taking routine was rehearsed and deliberate, resembling a well-oiled machine.
The process began even before the kicks were taken. While Switzerland’s coach addressed the entire squad, England’s Gareth Southgate only gathered the players who were on the pitch at the end of extra time. This ensured there were no distractions or unnecessary elements. Southgate also assigned a buddy to each penalty taker, someone who would support and congratulate them after their kick. This approach turned the individual event into a collective, team event, reducing the pressure on the players.
In 2021, when England lost the final of the European Championship to Italy on penalties, they did not adopt this buddy system. However, this time they learned from their mistakes and improved. The ability to adapt and get better is commendable.
Jordan Pickford played a crucial role in England’s victory by saving four penalties in three major tournament shootouts. His delaying tactics, such as walking away from the goal and talking to the referee, disrupted the rhythm of the Swiss players. According to Jordet, when players stand in position for eight seconds or more, their success rate drops below 50%. Pickford’s tactics worked as he forced Akanji to wait for an extended period before taking his penalty.
Pickford also employed distraction tactics and had detailed notes on his water bottle to guide him on how to approach each Swiss taker. This technique is not new and has been used by goalkeepers for years. It provides them with valuable information and helps them make strategic decisions during the shootout.
England’s penalty takers also took their time, averaging 5.2 seconds before starting their run-up, compared to Switzerland’s 1.3 seconds. This deliberate approach allowed the players to have more control over themselves and the situation. It enabled them to take deep breaths and send constructive hormones throughout their body and mind, ultimately giving them more control over the moment.
Overall, England’s success in penalty shootouts can be attributed to their well-rehearsed routine, support structure, delaying tactics, and deliberate approach. They have refined their process over the years and have more regular penalty takers in the squad. This victory will reinforce their confidence and style, although it may also provide opponents with more information to prepare against them in the future. Nevertheless, England remains unfazed and will continue to approach penalty shootouts with confidence and composure.