England are putting heavy focus on penalties as the World Cup knockout rounds begin, with Noni Madueke stressing that Thomas Tuchel’s squad are preparing for every possible scenario before facing DR Congo in Wednesday’s round of 32 tie, where England are widely expected to progress against opponents reaching this stage for the first time.
The history around England and shoot-outs still hangs over the camp, despite three wins from four under Gareth Southgate, as the team have previously gone out of six major events on penalties, including World Cups in 1990, 1998 and 2006, along with the Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy.
Recent action at these finals has reinforced that concern, with shoot-outs deciding two last‑16 matches on Monday, when Paraguay knocked out Germany and Morocco eliminated the Netherlands, which underlined for many in the England group how quickly a tight World Cup knockout game can be decided from the spot.
Madueke explained that penalties are being treated like any other tactical detail, linked to every phase of play during preparation sessions, and stressed that England want their standards in this area to match the rest of Tuchel’s work, especially as the tension and pressure of elimination football rises with every round that passes.
England’s record at major tournaments from the spot is shown below, highlighting the contrast between older campaigns and more recent improvement under Southgate, which still does not erase the memories that follow the squad into this World Cup.
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Just like all phases of play, we’re taking it extremely seriously, Madueke said. As you go into knockout football, it’s something that becomes more prominent in the gamesso, like every part of our game, we want to be at the highest level when it comes to that. I’m always open to taking a penalty.At the end of the day, it comes down to the coach’s decision and what he wants and what he thinks is best for the team, but from my side, I’m always ready. A lot of it is psychologicalhow you strike the ball, depending on your run-up and whether you stop or whether you wait for the goalkeeper, or whether you just pick a corner and look to strike it as cleanly as possible. All those things go into it.
Well be ready from the start. Noni Madueke on our Round of 32 clash with DR CongoEngland (@England) June 29, 2026">
On the pitch, Madueke has featured heavily in Group L, starting the first two games against Croatia and Ghana ahead of Bukayo Saka, then later coming on for the Arsenal player during the win over Panama, a pattern that has underlined a strong positional rivalry inside Tuchel’s attacking options.
Madueke views that competition with Saka as helpful for both careers and for team performance, believing that the pair give different types of threat, with Madueke seeing personal strengths in open space, while recognising that Saka can work effectively in crowded areas against packed defences, which offers variety for England and for Arsenal.
Obviously, it's well-documented that we're very close, so normally it should be a little bit strange, but it's not, Madueke added. I feel like it doesn't really affect our relationship whatsoever. I feel like we want the best for each other when each other plays, because at the end of the day, that means that if he plays well, I play well, then England and Arsenal have better chances of winning. In terms of how we differ, I think I thrive in space, and he thrives in congestion. I feel like you always have to be at the highest level because you know you have a top player waiting and biting at your heels to try and get in the team. I think that type of healthy competition is good, but playing for Arsenal and playing for England you don't really need anyone else to keep you at the highest level. You know that that's a requirement.
Madueke’s comments show an England squad that is aware of historic penalty problems yet determined to prepare thoroughly, while internal battles for selection, such as the wide role shared with Saka, are seen inside the camp as driving standards higher as Tuchel’s group move into the last‑32 tie against DR Congo.
Story first published: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 16:27 [IST]
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