Rice declares England's penalty takers the best crop in the nation's history ahead of World Cup knockouts

Declan Rice has declared that England possess the strongest collection of penalty takers in the nation’s footballing history, as the Three Lions prepare to enter the World Cup knockout rounds after finishing top of their group with seven points from three matches.

The Arsenal midfielder made the claim in an interview with The Standard, singling out Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham as evidence of a depth from the spot that England have never previously enjoyed.

“I look at this group now. I don’t think there’s a better crop of penalty takers that England have probably ever had,” Rice said. “I look at Harry, I look at Ivan, I look at Marcus, look at Anthony Gordon, Saka, I can take one, Jude [Bellingham can].”

Rice has been one of the more vocal figures in England’s camp throughout the tournament, and his confidence extends specifically to the prospect of a shootout — a scenario that has historically ended England’s World Cup campaigns. He acknowledged the statistical reality that advancing deep into a major tournament almost inevitably requires winning one.

“We have real strong takers and I feel like as the tournament goes on, you obviously hear the stat about you have to win a penalty shootout to get to a final or to win the tournament, and you know that might come along the way,” Rice said. “So we’re going to be fully prepared for that.”

When it comes to who leads the group from twelve yards, Rice left no ambiguity. Kane, England’s all-time leading scorer, remains the undisputed first name on the list.

“I can’t go up to Kane and tell him about pens, because he is the best penalty taker,” Rice said. “Everyone’s mentality, we don’t have to say anything, it’s just relentless. Let’s hope the keepers can save a few.”

England’s group-stage form has done little to dampen expectations inside the camp. With a settled squad, proven finishers and a collective belief that this generation can go the distance, Rice’s words reflect a dressing room that feels ready for whatever the knockout rounds bring.