Tuchel looks ahead to penalty training ahead of round of 16 clash with DR Congo

The reason penalty shootouts are currently a topic of conversation is the elimination of several title contenders in the knockout round, including the Netherlands on the very same weekend, who were also knocked out of the tournament via penalties. Tuchel also admitted that he has not brought in a specialist exclusively for this situation: "Tuchel has not yet brought in a psychologist specifically for penalty shootouts."

Simulating pressure: Tuchel's honest assessment

At the same time, Tuchel pointed to a reassuring record: "Since 2018, England has won three of its four penalty shootouts, losing only the 2021 European Championship final." The only defeat in that period was accordingly the European Championship final five years ago; otherwise, the team has maintained a strong record in shootouts.

Record since 2018 and a look at the opponent

The view of the upcoming opponent is also nuanced. ""They have already exceeded their goals. That does something to a team; it develops a real belief in itself," Tuchel said about DR Congo. In the group stage, the team first scored its first-ever World Cup goal and then recorded its first-ever win to close out the group — results that Tuchel interprets as dangerous self-confidence.

Squad issues also play a role for Tuchel ahead of kickoff. "The defenders Reece James and Jarell Quansah are not available," the coach confirmed, adding: "They are close, but they are not available. For that, we have to get through another round." As a result, England's defence continues to lack a settled alternative in the full-back positions for the round of 16.

Personnel: Defensive absences

Tuchel also explained in Atlanta how he prepares the selection of his penalty takers: "We don't ask the players, we know the takers. You only set the order, because you can't plan ahead who is still on the pitch and who has been substituted." The order is therefore set, but the actual personnel remains open.

Order is set, takers remain open

Regarding his own expectations, the coach was clear: "We expect of ourselves to go further than the round of 32." At the same time, he warned of the upcoming opponent, who, after historic results in the group stage, would go into the match with momentum.

Tuchel also stressed that the basic footballing foundations remain more important than any special preparation: should the match be decided within the regular ninety minutes, the Association's entire penalty programme would not even come into play.

The attention of England's fans is meanwhile focused on squad depth, as James and Quansah are two missing full-backs. Tuchel must therefore improvise on the right side of defence or slightly adjust the system.

Overall, it can be noted that England can point to a strong penalty shootout record, the Association's training has been institutionalised for years, and the team — despite absences — is approaching the match with confidence — a combination that Tuchel will look to weigh in his favour on Tuesday evening in Atlanta.