Cole Palmer says added pressure would not stop him taking penalty in shoot-out

Cole Palmer admits the pressure of taking a penalty ramps up when it comes to a shoot-out – but insists he would be ready to take one for England at Euro 2024.

With the knockout stages in full swing, England are preparing for a quarter-final clash against Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday evening.

Gareth Southgate’s side needed extra-time to beat Slovakia in the previous round and the potential for a penalty shoot-out will once again be hanging over the tie at Merkur Spiel-Arena.

And then there were eight.#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/rySYFb90VJ

— England (@England) July 2, 2024

England’s tournament history is pockmarked by penalty heartbreak but they did beat the Swiss in the Nations League third-place play-off five years ago.

In Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Bukayo Saka and Palmer, Southgate can also call upon a host of players who are the first-choice takers at their respective clubs.

Palmer scored all nine of his spot-kicks during Chelsea games last season – as well as another in a shoot-out win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.

“It is so much different,” Palmer said of stepping up in a shoot-out rather than during a match.

“I was talking about this the other day with someone. Everything. When you know you are going to take a penalty you start thinking. And then there is the coin toss and everything.

“You have to stand there and watch everyone else take it, the pressure builds up and up and up. In a game, if you miss there is still time to do something, to score.

“If you miss there isn’t time to redeem yourself. If you miss and everyone scores, it’s all your fault. It’s just more pressure.”

Despite the added pressure, Palmer would be raring to go if called upon.

“I’d be nominated on the pitch and wouldn’t have a choice