SPOT THE BALLERS

Trippier says Southgate looking for pen pals

- ANDY DUNN

KIERAN Trippier has provided detail on how Gareth Southgate is preparing his squad for the familiar drama of a penalty shoot-out later in the tournament.

Trippier explained that the England manager does not wait until his men reach the knockout stage before spending time on spot-kicks - instead it is an ongoing process.

The Newcastle defender told The Overlap podcast: "After training you'll have around four players because if there were 15, 16 players, it would be carnage.

"Gareth just picks a select few every day in training throughout the tournament, where you pick your spot, you take three penalties and they analyse it, watch it back.

"They would probably then choose who's more consistent. We have some incredible penalty takers in that squad.

"It is just about being consistent with your practice and being confident in that moment because it is a long walk."