Watch embarrassed Lionel Messi FLUFF Panenka penalty with Argentina icon still goalless like old foe Cristiano Ronaldo

EXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.

And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…

1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR 

“It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’

2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP

“Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”

3. DICTATE AS A TEAM

“A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”

4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES 

“Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”

5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT  

“Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”

AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…

Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).

Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.”

CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.

Euro 2004

After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.

Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.

He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.

Euro 2008

Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.

There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.

Euro 2012

Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.

Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.

His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.

Euro 2016

Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.

After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.

Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.

He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.

Euro 2020

Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.

Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.

With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals.