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Roy Hodgson

England manager Roy Hodgson will consider using a psychologist at the World Cup in Brazil to ensure players are better prepared for penalties.

Six of the last 10 major tournaments England have qualified for have ended in defeat via spot-kicks.

England penalty woe England lost to Germany in 1990 and 1996 , to Argentina in 1998 , to Portugal in 2004 and 2006 , and to Italy in 2012

They beat Spain in 1996

From 35 tournament shoot-out penalties taken, they have scored 23 times

"We have some confident penalty-takers, but others less confident," Hodgson told Sky Sports.

"It's how we get to them. We need to know they are as well prepared as they can be."

Hodgson, who was in charge when England were beaten on penalties by Italy at Euro 2012, believes a professional sports psychologist could help his players handle the pressure of a shootout.

"It will be about their character, their confidence and their ability to block out the next morning's headlines," he added. "If a psychologist can find a way to block that out, then we'd be very, very happy."

Highlights - England's Euro 96 penalty heartache

Hodgson has also asked British cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford to talk to his players before the World Cup gets under way on 12 June.

"One forgets sometimes how important these tournaments are and what big occasions they are," said Hodgson.

"You don't get that many shots at it and you have a lot of time to regret if you don't give it your best shot.

"I bet the world is full of players who reflect back on tournaments they have had and have said 'I wish had done a bit more, I wish I had concentrated a bit more, I wish I had known then what I know now'.

"Maybe Brailsford can put a few thoughts in their head."

Brailsford, who has masterminded the success of British cyclists on track and the road, will speak to the England squad before their friendly with Peru at Wembley on 30 May.

England's World Cup fixtures 15 June (02:00): Italy in Manaus 19 June (20:00): Uruguay in Sao Paulo 24 June (17:00): Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte All kick-offs are shown in BST

He was knighted last year in recognition of Britain's successes at the Beijing and London Olympics as well as the 2012 Tour de France victory for Bradley Wiggins.

Hodgson told BBC Radio 5 live in October 2012 that he would draw on the experiences of the country's other top national team coaches to help deliver success in football.

Brailsford believes football can learn from cycling and met with Roberto Mancini and Sir Alex Ferguson while they were managers of Manchester City and Manchester United respectively.