Why Manchester United's penalty shoot-out defeat to Middlesbrough is bad news for England

Three United players missed from 12 yards and they share something in common that will worry Roy Hodgson

Wayne Rooney walks away after missing his penalty (GETTY IMAGES)

What is it with Englishmen and penalties?

With the next major international tournament less than a year away, the signs are that England's woes from 12 yards could be set to continue should the Three Lions be forced to spot-kicks at Euro 2016.

Those signs were visible when Manchester United went out of the Capital One Cup, an exit that would have had Roy Hodgson wincing had he been in attendance at Old Trafford.

After playing out a 0-0 draw with Championship side Middlesbrough, the tie went to penalties, in which Manchester United missed three, with all three culprits being England internationals.

England captain Wayne Rooney set the tone.

After Middlesbrough buried their first effort, Rooney stepped up and saw his effort low to the right of the goalkeeper saved.

Boro blasted over which allowed Andreas Pereira to bring things level.

Stewart Downing, formerly in the England set up but some way from Hodgson's plans, put his away to give Boro a lead that would not be caught.

An uncomfortable looking Carrick was the first to miss for United, ballooning his shot over the bar before the Championship side took a 3-1 lead.

Michael Carrick hit his penalty over the bar (GETTY IMAGES)

Then Ashley Young failed, seeing his shot saved in the same bottom corner as Rooney had gone for.

Ashley Young had his shot saved (GETTY IMAGES)

That three Englishmen missed their efforts will do little to boost confidence for a nation that have exited the Euros on penalties at three of last four tournaments they've participated in. In that time England have also twice been knocked out of the World Cup on spot kicks.

Bring on France 2016.