As England gears up for their Euro 2024 knockout stage match against Slovakia, the prospect of a penalty shootout looms large due to the team's historical struggles and recent low-scoring games. England's penalty history is notorious, with only three wins out of ten in major tournaments, but the current squad boasts some strong penalty takers like Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, and Cole Palmer. Gareth Southgate has focused on meticulous preparation, employing data and psychological insights to improve performance in shootouts. Despite this, penalties remain a high-stakes, unpredictable aspect of the game, often seen as a 'lottery' with varying success rates based on shot placement and player psychology. Geir Jordet's research on penalty shootouts continues to emphasize the importance of training and preparation for these crucial moments.