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Declan Rice has expressed that he will not offer penalty-taking advice to Harry Kane but holds complete belief in England’s current squad should their upcoming World Cup encounter require a shootout.

The Arsenal midfielder stated that this England side possesses the most capable penalty takers the nation has ever assembled. Speaking before their World Cup round of 32 clash against DR Congo, Rice said he has full faith in his teammates’ composure and skill. Despite acknowledging that nerves have played a role in past tournaments, he insists that under Thomas Tuchel, the team is mentally and technically prepared for any shootout situation.

England fine-tune for shootout scenarios

Thomas Tuchel and the Football Association’s staff are conscious that in a World Cup knockout phase, particularly with the additional round, a penalty shootout is a likely possibility. England face DR Congo in the round of 32.

During Gareth Southgate’s tenure, England succeeded in three of four shootouts. They triumphed over Colombia at the 2018 World Cup and beat Switzerland twice, though they fell short against Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

Tuchel’s squad selection reflects awareness of this aspect, with Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney included notably for his penalty-taking prowess. Alongside him, Anthony Gordon and captain Harry Kane also stand out as reliable options from the spot.

Rice describes his penalty mindset

Although Kane remains England’s designated penalty taker, Rice recently converted a spot-kick for Arsenal during their shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain. “I've never been the strongest penalty taker, but I feel like over time, my penalty in the Champions League final, I've never been so confident for a penalty,” Rice shared.

Recalling his approach against the goalkeeper in Budapest, he elaborated on the psychological aspect: “I don't know what it was, I just have my process, I knew where I was going to go. I studied the keeper to see where he thought I’d aim because my last few penalties had gone to the opposite side. It’s all about the mind games.”

From nerves to assurance in teammates

Rice admitted that he used to struggle with anxiety during such high-pressure moments but has since found calmness. “I felt really calm. I've been nervous with penalties before. When we played Palace earlier in the season, I was so nervous to take the pen. I scored, but I didn’t feel as nervous as I did in that final.”

Speaking about his England teammates, Rice’s confidence was unwavering. “I look at this group now. I don't think there's a better crop of penalty takers that England have ever had, to be honest with you,” he said. “I look at Harry, Ivan, Marcus [Rashford], Anthony Gordon, [Bukayo] Saka, I can take one, and Jude [Bellingham] can too.”

He added with a smile, “I can’t go up to Kane and tell him about penalties because he’s the best penalty taker. Everyone’s mentality is relentless. We don’t even need to talk about it. Let’s just hope the keepers can save a few.”

Next steps for the Three Lions

England’s immediate task is to overcome DR Congo tomorrow and book their place in the last 16. Tuchel will use the remaining training sessions to fine-tune tactics and ensure that his chosen penalty takers are ready. Should the match extend into extra time, the squad’s mental strength and technical sharpness suggest they are well-equipped to prevail in a deciding shootout.