Hodgson - No shoot-out list


England boss hoping Italy clash will not be decided from the spot

Last Updated: June 23, 2012 10:54am
Roy Hodgson: Looking for England to see off Italy without the need for a penalty shoot-out
Roy Hodgson: Looking for England to see off Italy without the need for a penalty shoot-out

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Roy Hodgson is hoping England's Euro 2012 quarter-final with Italy will not be decided on spot kicks, with little thought given to possible penalty-takers.
The Three Lions have made a habit of taking knockout matches to shoot-outs, with penalty heartache suffered at the 1998 and 2006 World Cups, as well as Euro 2004.
They also tasted semi-final despair against Germany at the 1990 World Cup and Euro '96.
Hodgson has already revealed that his squad have been practising from 12 yards in case they are forced down that route again.
He is, however, adamant that no decision has been taken as to who will step up if their meeting with Italy on Sunday ends all square.
"I really haven't decided on penalty takers so there's no point in speculating," Hodgson said.
"First of all I don't know the game's going to penalties, and secondly who'll be on the field after the 120 minutes.

Optimist

"I'm an optimist. I don't anticipate the game going to a penalty shoot-out. I anticipate us winning in 90 minutes so why should I concern myself with 120 minutes when we haven't even kicked the first ball yet?
"It's a negative thought and I don't really understand the obsession with it.
"From about half-time in extra time we'll know which of our more recognised penalty takers are there.
"I'm sure Ray (Lewington) and Gary (Neville) will be working feverishly to get some sort of order.
"Up to then, a penalty shoot-out is the least of my concerns."
England's failure rate is a bit of an obsession, though.
Hazardous
For instance, in a squad where there are few recognised penalty-takers at club level, the merits of introducing Leighton Baines - a dead-ball expert - have to be discussed.
Instead of deliberating such topics, Hodgson serves up a succession of notable failures to emphasise his point that the entire penalty issue is so much of a lottery it is hardly worth debating.
"Penalty shoot-outs are a hazardous way of deciding a game of football," he said.
"It was decided upon because it was seen as slightly less hazardous than the toss of a coin, but you're pretty much in the same ballpark.
"It's got nothing to do with ability.
"I've seen Roberto Baggio miss penalties, Zico miss penalties and David Beckham miss penalties.
"I'm much more concerned about how we're going to face Italy, what problems they're going to cause us and what we have to do to try to win the game."
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