How Cristiano Ronaldo helped England end 22 years of penalty hurt against Colombia
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England finally ended their long run of losing on penalties on Tuesday night when they beat Colombia in the World Cup's last-16 - and it appears they have Cristiano Ronaldo to thank.
It's been 22 years since the Three Lions last won on spot kicks, that coming against Spain in Euro 1996 when Stuart Pearce got his redemption at Wembley.
Since then England fans have had to endure shootout defeats to Argentina (1999), Portugal (2004 and 2006) and Italy (2012).
But the tide finally turned when Eric Dier stepped up to put England into the quarter-finals of this summer's World Cup.
(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
(Image: Alex Morton/Getty Images)
And it seems England's success was no accident, they've been analysing and practising.
Research prior to the tournament showed that Three Lions players were quick in their run ups, potentially rushing their chance.
(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
In a bid to change this, Portugal captain Ronaldo was analysed. The Real Madrid star tends to take his time and breathe in before striking the ball.
The change in style was evident when looking at Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford's run ups, each taking time and steadying themselves in their own way.
(Image: PA)
(Image: FIFA via Getty)
FA technical director Dan Ashworth explained the shift in style before the tournament, as per Metro , he said: "There’s been a little bit of research done to show that English players are quick to the ball when the whistle goes.
"When the referee’s whistle goes, you’ve got as long as you want to take the penalty.
"As a nation, over the years we’ve been a bit quick. You look at the other nations, they take a bit more time. There are some interesting patterns. For example, Ronaldo’s self-control is incredible."