Do England need to be afraid of a shootout this summer?

The pubs of Exeter will be full of Three Lions fans this summer. And they could get an extended few games there with England tipped to make it through the group and into the knockout stages.

A tie against Colombia or Poland is a possibility, and while fans will be pondering which they’ll prefer, one thing is for sure - avoid a penalty shootout.

Losing on penalties is like a broken record for Gareth Southgate’s men. In fact, the boss himself is famed for missing one.

But do we need to worry this time around? Will things be different?

Looking at the potential squad, you’d have to say yes.

Many bookies and websites such as www.betandskill.com are backing Harry Kane and co. to certainly reach the Round of 16, with the talismanic striker also among the favourites to top score.

The Spurs man will lead by example and that could give England a lot of confidence in front of goal.

He’s bagged almost 80% of spot kicks throughout his career and his quality in front of goal this season has been phenomenal.

That breeds confidence and the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jamie Vardy and Raheem Sterling will take plenty from that.

All three have proved their worth in front of goal and England fans should have confidence that they can see out a game from 12-yards out.

The latter of the trio has come on wonders under Pep Guardiola and has significantly improved his finishing. So much so he’s bagged 21 goals this season and has been hugely influential in their title winning season.

Similarly, Jamie Vardy has continued to get among the goals and, like Kane, has an 80% conversion rate from the spot.

Rashford has proved time and again he suits a bit occasion, and his goals over the years against big four clubs has proved he can remain composed in pressure situations

That all leads to a solid foundation in a penalty shootout.

There are a number of players who will fit neatly around the three too. Eric Dier has fired in some neat and tidy free kicks for club and country, while Jesse Lingard has looked fearless in the Manchester United side.

Other options would include Dele Alli and Jordan Henderson who ooze confidence and Ashley Young who has become a real trusted member of United’s squad.

Young is by no means guaranteed a spot in the 23-man squad, and he did miss a penalty for England back at Euro 2012. You would expect him to use his years and remain calm though, just as he has done for Mourinho in recent months.

Compared to Southgate stepping up, the idea of England facing a penalty shootout this summer shouldn’t be scary. The young Lions are fearless, coming in off impressive seasons and, Young excluded, haven’t had the bitter taste of an England penalty loss before.

They’ll fancy it, and we’d have money on them succeeding should Kane and co. have to make that long walk from the halfway line.