Paddy’s sending five spot-kick specialists and their pals to Germany this summer for England’s first game over in Düsseldorf.
You can get the skinny here, complete with info on how to enter (actually here’s the link: Paddy Power Shootout), but before the big day Paddy thought it was only fair to give the English some pointers on how to get the round thing past keeper and into the rectangle thing from 12 yards.
Consider this as your comprehensive penalty taking guide and yes, this has been sent to St George’s Park prior to The Three Lions jetting off to Germany.
Register here for the Paddy’s Penalty Shootout Competition.
1: Grow a Mullet
They say it’s business at the front, party at the back but England’s once resplendently mulleted midfield maestro Chris Waddle launched his O-Zone threatening skier that helped to end England’s World Cup 1990 hopes against West Germany in the semi finals having been shorn of his fabulous locks, and against a German side featuring Rudi Voeller’s perm no less!
The lesson? Let it grow.
2: Mind your footing
Even old Goldenballs himself, David Beckham, has spurned great opportunities from 12 yards. The legendary former midfielder ended up on his arse as he watched his spot-kick in Euro 2004 qualifying head for the guttering of the Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium in Turkey.
3: Pass on the Panenka
Sure a Panenka might look cool but they’re best left to people who know what they’re doing like Zinedine Zidane or Andrea Pirlo. Just ask Gary Lineker who decided to dink a penalty against Brazil in 1992.
Obviously the keeper saved it and denied the TV presenter from equaling Bobby Charlton’s record haul of 49 goals at the time.
4: Get over it
Let’s be honest, all the best penalty misses start on an upward trajectory and just keep on going. Just ask Harry Kane at the World Cup in Qatar.
However, if you simply try and whack it as hard as you can there’s a good chance it’s going into orbit, Paddy’s going to laugh at you, and you’re not going to the Euros.
5: But don’t p**s about with it
On the flip side, no one wants to see a keeper flop to the side to send some terrified defender or holding midfielder called Gareth or David packing and into novelty adverts for pizzas.
Give yourself half a chance and at least look like you want to take the pen. Own it!
6: Remember – it happens to the best
If you’re representing England you’re just going to miss penalties. That’s just one of the laws of football. Harry Kane has hardly missed one for Tottenham or Bayern but he’s England’s all-time record penalty misser with a hearty four.
If he can miss, so can you.
7: Just hit the f**king target!
Getting it on target certainly helps. No remembers how they go in, as long as they go in.
And you can’t score the penalties you don’t take, so scoot on over here and get signed up for Paddy’s Penalty Shootout competition and you could be jetting over to Germany on Paddy Fairlines to see the latest miss in England’s storied history!
READ MORE ON EURO 2024
- Euro 2024 sweepstake kit: Print or download Paddy Power’s handy pack for the tournament
- Euro 2024 odds: Who are the favourites to win this summer’s Euros?
- When does Euro 2024 start? Date and kick-off time for first game in Germany
- Euro 2024 Golden Boot odds: Who is the favourite to be the top scorer?
- Next England manager odds: Who could succeed Gareth Southgate?
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
