England data team targeting shocking Martin Dubravka stat ahead of crunch Euro 2024 decider

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has saved just 17.6 per cent of penalties throughout his 15-year football career.

That equates to just six out of 34 faced, a poor record that England’s data team will be targeting ahead of Sunday’s last-16 clash. The Three Lions have a favourably draw against Slovakia - who sit 45th in the FIFA rankings.

Only Romania place lower than the Slovaks in England’s half of the draw. Gareth Southgate’s men are aiming to ignite their Euro 2024 hopes following an uninspiring start to the tournament. 

A win over Serbia was followed by draws with Slovenia and Denmark to dampen spirits about football coming home. They were set to face the Netherlands before Georgia’s shock win against Portugal gave England a more favourable tie with Slovakia.

Newcastle shot-stopper Dubravka is the man for Harry Kane and Co to beat between the sticks. The 35-year-old has been the undisputed first-choice keeper since his arrival on Tyneside in 2018.

Dubravka will earn his 46th cap against England this weekend and 152 Premier League appearances makes him no stranger to the opposition. The word “penalties” strikes fear into every Englishman - but the Slovak goalkeeper fares just as bad.

A poor 17.6 per cent record provides solace for Three Lions players should the game be decided by spot-kicks. Dubravka has also failed to save any penalties low to his right since turning professional for Zilina in 2009.

Romania midfielder Razvan Marin has already netted from 12 yards against Dubravka at Euro 2024. The Newcastle man last saved a penalty on New Year’s Day - denying Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in a 4-2 defeat.