The View From My Study 5 June 2026

For full disclosure, I am not an Arsenal fan. I cannot even pretend that they are a ‘second favourite’ or a ‘neutral’ team – they’ve caused my team too much pain down the years for that. But I am a sports fan and I do acknowledge the teams which are consistent, play well and deserve their success. Arsenal has certainly been one of those this season.

I felt sorry for their players in the Champions League Final last week, particularly the two who did not manage to score their penalties in the shoot-out. Any support that they now get from their team-mates and sports psychologists will be invaluable because their own sense of guilt, coupled with undoubted abuse they will be receiving on social media platforms from so-called fans, will be weighing them down.

Sport is big business. It matters to players and fans. Millions will be watching the World Cup over the next few weeks and there are sure to be more penalty shoot-outs for high-stakes success – or failure. The moment of taking a penalty in football is one of the clearest illustrations of pressure and choice and there are many things we can learn from this.

A penalty may look like a single moment, but it represents years of practice. Under pressure, people revert to their habits so it is important to practice consistency in order to be clear-minded and confident when the moment matters most.

However, even the best players in the world miss penalties – a perfectly struck ball can still be saved. This reminds us that, sometimes, outcomes aren’t always a fair reflection of effort or ability and what really matters is our response – our willingness to stick to our processes and step up again. Taking responsibility means accepting outcomes we cannot fully control but only by stepping forward can we gain impact and development. Doing so, though, increases the risk and the more meaningful the stage, the more one must tolerate being seen, judged and, potentially, criticised. That does not mean we should experience the kinds of cowardly social media criticism that is a blight on modern society and one can only hope that fans in the World Cup will recognise the bravery of the players who volunteer to take a penalty for their country.

I also hope that no player is left with regret for having taken a penalty. Many players say the hardest thing isn’t missing – it’s wishing they had taken the shot and didn’t. In the long run, regret for not trying often outweighs the pain of failure.

I am looking forward to the drama and skill of the world cup and I shall be rooting for all players, irrespective of their nationality, to do well in the shoot-outs. I just hope that each one commits to their decision and does not hesitate. I will of course be hoping that England’s record in penalty shoot-outs improves and I will now be cheering for Paraguay who I drew in the staff sweepstake!