‘We’ve done a lot of work on penalties’ – John Stones says England ready for World Cup shoot-out ahead of Senegal clash
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Updated 02/12/2022 at 23:40 GMT
England have put in "a lot of work" to try and ensure that they won't suffer any more penalty shoot-out heartbreak at the World Cup this year, says John Stones. The Three Lions lost last summer's Euro 2020 final to Italy in a shoot-out and other major tournament exits are still fresh in the memory. Stones also praised team-mates Phil Foden and Harry Maguire for their efforts so far.
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England have put “a lot of work” into preparing for a penalty shoot-out ahead of the World Cup knockout stages, according to defender John Stones.
The Three Lions have suffered agonising shoot-out exits several times in the past, and lost the final of Euro 2020 to Italy last summer on penalties.
But ahead of Sunday’s last 16 clash with Senegal, Gareth Southgate and his staff have ensured the squad is ready for the match to go the distance.
"This started four years ago now, when we won our first shootout in I don't know how many years (against Colombia in last 16 of the 2018 World Cup),” Stones told a news conference.
“That was a big thing for us in that World Cup but then in the Euros it didn't work out for us.
"We've done a lot of work on penalties, on the small aspects and looked at what we've done in the past. The individuals needs as well; not everyone is used to taking penalties.
"It's a high pressured environment and we're trying to get used to being uncomfortable and making it easier for lads like myself who aren't used to taking penalties so we can be ready, be clinical if we do have to step up."
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One of the major talking points ahead of the Senegal game is around who will start in attack for England.
Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden were picked alongside captain Harry Kane for the 3-0 win over Wales last time out, and proved their worth as Rashford scored twice and Foden bagged the other goal.
Foden is a team-mate of Stones’ at club level too with Manchester City, and the centre-back heaped praise on the 22-year-old
"I've never seen anyone like Phil, at that age, with his ability and his football knowledge,” Stones said.
“It is the freedom in how he plays and how he expresses himself. It is frightening.
“I am a huge fan of him. I am lucky to play with him every day. I am lucky, Man City are lucky and England are lucky. I hope he gets what he needs on and off the pitch to help him play like he did the other night."
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Foden was also eager to show his support for centre-back partner Harry Maguire, who has recovered from a difficult period with Manchester United to put in some impressive displays for England in Qatar.
"From the first game, he has given the best response. All three games he has been terrific,” Stones said.
“It is about us finding that partnership again and we have done that so far. It is time for us keep building and improving. That is great credit to him.
"I have been asked a lot of questions about him, but playing with someone for so many games for England, being through so many moments with him and knowing what he's gone through at his club and it speaks volume about him.
"I still believed in him and all his team-mates did. There was a lot of noise but he's tried to improve him and he's started the tournament really well. That is great credit to him."
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