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As England brace themselves for what many expect to be an inevitable penalty shoot-out, the data provides a clear picture of which players Thomas Tuchel should rely on to step up from the spot.

Tuchel has openly discussed the probability that England will need to win at least one shoot-out if they hope to fulfil their ambitions at the World Cup.

Historically, the Three Lions have endured a painful relationship with penalty shoot-outs at the World Cup, having lost several before finally triumphing over Colombia in 2018.

More recently, England managed to win another shoot-out, this time against Switzerland at Euro 2024, under Sir Gareth Southgate, who made penalty preparation a central part of his management philosophy.

Despite those improvements, England’s overall record in major tournament shoot-outs remains patchy, with three wins and seven defeats since 1990.

Tuchel, following Southgate’s example, has also devoted substantial attention to perfecting England’s approach from the spot.

When choosing his list of takers, Tuchel is expected to have analysed each player’s personal record in detail.

Here’s a breakdown of how England’s current players stack up — only those who have taken at least three penalties for club or country are included, ranked by conversion rate.

Reece James remains perfect from the spot — but unfortunately, injuries mean he won’t be able to take one from the treatment table.

Penalties taken: 5 Scored: 5 Missed: 0

Based on Anderson’s last successful penalty for Nottingham Forest against Leeds last November, when he confidently drove the ball into the corner, the new Manchester City signing merits inclusion among the top five.

Only Jordan Pickford has managed to deny Anthony Gordon from the spot, which gives the Barcelona winger a purpose at the tournament, even if his starting prospects are slim.

That may actually make him more likely to take a penalty. His emphatic strike against Costa Rica in the final warm-up friendly suggests he’s ready for the pressure.

Penalties taken: 73 Scored: 67 Missed: 6

“I like to think I bring more than just penalties,” Ivan Toney remarked last week. Indeed, Ivan, but after 119 minutes of waiting, Tuchel will surely call on your specialist touch.

Harry Kane’s record is impressive — most of his penalties have been driven firmly with power and precision, avoiding the hesitation that cost him against Croatia before his redemption. There’s a lesson there for him.

Penalties taken: 24 Scored: 21 Missed: 3

If Marcus Rashford retains his place in the starting eleven, there’s still a fair chance he’ll be substituted before penalties begin.

Penalties taken: 22 Scored: 19 Missed: 3

Bukayo Saka’s record is solid, but given the painful memory of his miss at Euro 2020, there’s an understandable anxiety about another attempt on such a stage. Moreover, fitness may dictate whether he’s available at all.

Penalties taken: 6 Scored: 5 Missed: 1

Jude Bellingham successfully converted one in England’s most recent shoot-out — the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland — when all five takers scored. Unfortunately, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who were also flawless that day, are unavailable this time around.

Penalties taken: 7 Scored: 5 Missed: 2

“When I look at this squad, I honestly believe England have never had a better group of penalty takers,” said one player. “There’s Harry, Ivan, Marcus, Anthony Gordon, Saka, I can take one, Jude…”

That sounds like the first five, with one extra for sudden death — especially since it’s unlikely Gordon and Rashford will both be on the pitch simultaneously.

Penalties taken: 12 Scored: 8 Missed: 4

Eberechi Eze maintains he’ll volunteer for a penalty at the World Cup, despite his miss in the Champions League final. He just needs to ditch the stutter in his run-up.

Penalties taken: 3 Scored: 2 Missed: 1

Ezri Konsa may have used up his penalty fortune with the one he avoided conceding against Ghana — perhaps best not to tempt fate again.

Penalties taken: 3 Scored: 2 Missed: 1

Noni Madueke has attempted just one penalty in the past two and a half years — a miss for Arsenal against Portsmouth in the FA Cup.

Penalties taken: 16 Scored: 9 Missed: 7

For someone whose job is to score goals, that’s a poor return. Ollie Watkins remains a valuable impact substitute — the first to come on if England need a goal, and the first to make way when Toney is called upon late in extra time.

Jordan Henderson, meanwhile, is likely to play a more supportive role. Known for his leadership, he could be key in maintaining Tuchel’s continuation of Southgate’s ‘buddy system’ to steady nerves during the shoot-out.