New research has revealed that just 15% of Brits back themselves to beat England’s number one goalkeeper from the penalty spot. That is according to YouGov data analysed by football experts at 101 Great Goals.
The survey asked people: “If you had to take a penalty kick against Jordan Pickford, the England men’s football team goalkeeper, how likely or unlikely do you think you would be to score?”
Just 5% said they would be very likely to score, while a further 10% said they would be fairly likely. In contrast, 70% admitted they would be unlikely to beat Pickford, including more than half of respondents (54%) who said they would be very unlikely to score.
Men were far more confident from the spot, with 26% saying they would be likely to score compared with just 5% of women. However, the majority of both groups still backed Pickford to come out on top, as 61% of men and 77% of women said they would be unlikely to score.
Younger adults were the most confident, with 21% of 18–24-year-olds saying they would be likely to score. This dropped to 17% among 25–49-year-olds, 13% among 50–64-year-olds, and just 10% among those aged 65 and over.
Regionally, Londoners and those in the North were the most confident, with 19% in each region saying they would be likely to score. Scotland followed at 16%, ahead of the Midlands (15%), Wales (12%), and the Rest of the South (11%). The Rest of the South was the least confident region overall, with 73% saying they would be unlikely to score against Pickford, followed by the Midlands (71%), the North (70%), London (66%), Wales (64%), and Scotland (61%).
Football analyst Jon Fisher, from 101 Great Goals, said: “With England taking part in the World Cup, penalties will inevitably be part of the conversation, and no England player is more closely associated with those high-pressure moments than Pickford.”
“Fans can make penalties look easy when they are watching from the sofa, but this data showed the public had a pretty realistic view of what it would actually be like to stand 12 yards from an elite international goalkeeper.”
“The biggest mistake amateur players make is thinking power is the answer. Against top goalkeepers, placement is usually far more important. If you’re taking a penalty, pick your corner before you start your run-up and commit to it. Changing your mind at the last moment is often what causes misses.”
“Of course, Pickford is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, so even if you do everything right, there’s every chance he’ll still save it. That’s why it’s no surprise that most Brits don’t fancy their chances.”
“With England’s World Cup campaign underway, supporters will be hoping any penalty shootouts end with Pickford saving them rather than having to take one themselves,” Fisher said.
Pickford played a key role in England’s 2–1 extra-time victory over Norway, helping the team advance to the semi-final. The match in Miami saw the goalkeeper make important interventions amid challenging conditions as England came from behind with goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. The result sets up a high-stakes clash with Argentina, adding to the tournament’s drama as fans across the UK rally behind the team.
Penalties have long been a talking point in England’s World Cup history, from past shootout triumphs and heartbreaks to the technical and mental demands they place on players. Experts often highlight the psychological pressure involved, noting that standing at the spot with the game on the line requires composure that few casual players possess, a reality reflected in the YouGov findings.
The data underscores public respect for Pickford’s abilities at the highest level. As England prepares for the semi-final, the survey offers a light-hearted insight into how supporters view their own skills compared with those of a professional at the peak of his game. Analysts note that while club and international football continues to evolve with advanced training methods, the fundamentals of penalty taking remain a blend of technique, decision-making, and nerve, and Pickford’s performances have reinforced his reputation as a reliable last line of defence in major tournaments.