Guehi’s Unorthodox Penalty Technique: The Key to England’s Euro 2024 Success?
As England prepares to face Spain in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, the Three Lions’ defense has been solidified by the impressive performances of Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace centre-back has been a crucial cog in Gareth Southgate’s backline, and his unique penalty-taking technique could be the difference-maker if the game goes to a shoot-out.
Guehi’s ‘zero step’ penalty technique, which involves no run-up and a swift strike at the ball, may seem unconventional, but it’s a method that has served him well in the past. The 22-year-old defender showcased his technique in Chelsea’s UEFA Youth League shoot-out win over Dinamo Zagreb in 2019, and it’s a skill that he has been working on with his teammates.
In an interview last month, Guehi revealed that the team has been putting in extra work on penalties, with several players practicing their technique after training sessions. Ezri Konsa, who filled in for Guehi in the quarter-final against Switzerland, echoed Guehi’s sentiments, stating that the team likes to practice penalties regardless of whether they’re facing a shoot-out or not.
England’s penalty record has been impressive so far in the tournament, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all converting from 12 yards in their quarter-final win over Switzerland. If the game against Spain goes to a shoot-out, Guehi’s unorthodox technique could be the key to unlocking victory.
While some may view Guehi’s penalty technique as reckless, it’s clear that the defender has the confidence and skill to pull it off. With England’s penalty record and Guehi’s unique technique, the Three Lions have a strong chance of emerging victorious if the game goes to a shoot-out.
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