England taking penalties ‘extremely seriously’ ahead of DR Congo clash, says Madueke

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Noni Madueke says England are taking the prospect of a penalty shootout “extremely seriously”, as they head into the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel’s side will be favourites to advance from the round of 32 on Wednesday when they face DR Congo, who have progressed from the group phase for the first time.

Nevertheless, Madueke insisted no stone would be left unturned when it comes to England’s preparation, including the possibility of penalties.

Though they won three of their four penalty shoot-outs under Gareth Southgate, spot-kicks have been the scourge of the Three Lions over the years.

They have exited six major tournaments on penalties – including the World Cup in 1990, 1998 and 2006, as well as losing the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

Shoot-outs took centre stage at the finals on Monday, with both Germany and the Netherlands crashing out after they were beaten on spot-kicks by Paraguay and Morocco respectively.

“Just like all phases of play, we’re taking it extremely seriously,” Madueke said.

“As you go into knockout football, it’s something that becomes more prominent in the games so, like every part of our game, we want to be at the highest level when it comes to that.

“I’m always open to taking a penalty. At the end of the day, it comes down to the coach’s decision and what he wants and what he thinks is best for the team, but from my side, I’m always ready.

“A lot of it is psychological – how you strike the ball, depending on your run-up and whether you stop or whether you wait for the goalkeeper, or whether you just pick a corner and look to strike it as cleanly as possible. All those things go into it.”

“We’ll be ready from the start.”

Noni Madueke on our Round of 32 clash with DR Congo

— England (@England) June 29, 2026

Madueke started both of England’s opening two Group L games against Croatia and Ghana ahead of Bukayo Saka, before coming off the bench to replace his Arsenal team-mate during the victory over Panama.

The former Chelsea winger believes the competition between the pair has been mutually beneficial on an individual level, as well as for club and country.

“Obviously, it’s well-documented that we’re very close, so normally it should be a little bit strange, but it’s not,” Madueke added. “I feel like it doesn’t really affect our relationship whatsoever.

“I feel like we want the best for each other when each other plays, because at the end of the day, that means that if he plays well, I play well, then England and Arsenal have better chances of winning.

“In terms of how we differ, I think I thrive in space, and he thrives in congestion.

“I feel like you always have to be at the highest level because you know you have a top player waiting and biting at your heels to try and get in the team.

“I think that type of healthy competition is good, but playing for Arsenal and playing for England you don’t really need anyone else to keep you at the highest level. You know that that’s a requirement.”

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