Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson says England struggle mentally with penalties. The Blackburn stopper believes Roy Hodgson should do whatever it takes to ensure the England side are ready for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil, including bringing in a sports psychologist if necessary.
Robinson, who earned 41 caps for England between 2003 and 2007, was in goal for the 2006 World Cup penalty shoot-out that saw England lose to Portugal after only netting one of their spot kicks. And following the national team’s disastrous record at penalties, Robinson thinks the problem is more mental than to do with technique.
When [losing on penalties] happens a few times it can’t be bad luck, he told Sky Sports. It comes down to the players on the night and we should do anything we can to help them. A lot of it is in their head as these players [in 2006] were scoring penalties in training and had Premier League and Champions League experience, he added. Robinson has been in good form for Blackburn this season and has thrown his hat into the ring as a back-up to England number one Joe Hart.
