Declan Rice backs England's penalty experts ahead of DR Congo clash
Declan Rice says he won't offer advice to Harry Kane, expressing total confidence in the current England squad's ability to win any shootout.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice believes that Thomas Tuchel's current England squad possesses the most impressive group of penalty takers in the nation's history. Ahead of tomorrow's World Cup round of 32 clash against DR Congo, Rice insisted he would not presume to advise captain Harry Kane on spot-kicks.
I can't go up to Kane and tell him about pens, because he is the best penalty taker. Everyone's mentality, we don’t have to say anything, it’s just relentless. Let’s hope the keepers can save a few. Declan Rice
Manager Thomas Tuchel and his staff are prioritizing shootout preparation, mindful of the pressure in the knockout stages. The squad features designated specialists such as Ivan Toney, alongside reliable takers like Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka.
Rice, who recently converted a penalty during a shootout against PSG, opened up about his own mental process. The midfielder noted that he has moved past previous bouts of match anxiety, finding a new level of composure through focused preparation and mental discipline.
England must now focus on navigating the challenge of DR Congo to secure a spot in the last 16. Tuchel will spend the final training sessions refining tactical plans, with the squad seemingly well-equipped to handle the technical and mental demands of a potential shootout.