Rickie Lambert has insisted he would be more than happy to step up and take a penalty in a shoot-out for England at this summer's World Cup.

The Southampton striker has compiled a near-perfect record from the penalty spot throughout his career, whilst the Three Lions have suffered penalty shoot-out heartache in six of the last 10 major tournaments, with their sole shoot-out victory coming against Spain in Euro 96.

His skills could well come in useful to a team with one of the worst penalty shoot-out records in world football.

A number of Betfair fans have already backed England to lose on penalties in Brazil this summer, but England's chances in a shoot-out look a lot better with Lambert in the team.

While England fans have every right to feel nervous about penalties at this summer's World Cup, they will be able to feel confident if they see Lambert making his way to the penalty spot. The Southampton hitman has earned his place in Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad following two impressive seasons on the South Coast, scoring 29 goals over the past two seasons in the Premier League.

Lambert racked up a formidable record from 12 yards during his time at the St Mary's Stadium, scoring 34 penalties for the club and missing just two during his entire career – the last coming for Bristol Rovers a full five years ago – and Betfair punters will feel confident backing the striker to make no mistake from the spot.

While the 32-year old has admitted the pressure would be on a different level at a World Cup, Lambert has made it clear he would have no problems with taking a spot-kick if called upon this summer.

"I would take one, of course I would. I am confident in my ability. If the chance comes up I am confident I would score."

"I have my own technique and sometimes my technique wouldn't be beneficial to someone else. Penalty taking is about mentality. I have a certain way of approaching it and it has worked well for me."