Dr. Kate Kirby, Head of Psychology at the Institute of Sport and Olympic Team Ireland's psychologist, was watching closely as England banished their penalty hoodoo against Colombia earlier this month.



Prior to the World Cup, the Three Lions' record from the penalty spot in major tournaments was nothing short of wretched, and the theories why were many and numerous.

In 40 years of competition, England penalty-takers began their run-up less than half a second from the shrill of the referee's whistle, quicker than any other country. That hurried approach simply one factor behind the run of hard-luck stories.

Only Jordan Henderson failed to find the back of the net against the Colombians in the round-of-16 tie, though Kirby held little hope that the Liverpool captain would convert as she studied his approach from the centre circle.