‘They don’t have that fear’ | England have practised penalties in every training session

England’s World Cup campaign has been defined by meticulous preparation, none more so than their approach to penalties. Since the tournament began in Qatar, Gareth Southgate’s side has drilled spot-kicks in every training session, a deliberate strategy to eliminate the dread that has haunted them in past shootouts. The message is clear: they refuse to be defined by the ghosts of 2018’s quarter-final defeat to Colombia and 2022’s shootout loss to France. The squad’s commitment to rehearsing penalties—down to the exact number of touches, the precise placement of the ball, and the designated run-up for each taker—reflects a tactical evolution that transcends mere repetition.

The psychology of practice

Rob Dorsett’s report for Sky Sports underscores England’s proactive mindset. The squad has treated penalties as a tactical discipline, not an afterthought. This isn’t about hoping for the best; it’s about rehearsing the worst-case scenario until it feels routine. The psychological edge comes from repetition—turning a high-pressure moment into a familiar exercise. Southgate, whose own legacy is intertwined with penalty heartbreak, has ensured his players face the scenario head-on, repeatedly. The drills are not confined to generic scenarios; they simulate specific match contexts, including the weight of a potential final shootout against Argentina. The Albiceleste’s reputation for penalty dominance—bolstered by their shootout victory over the Netherlands in the quarter-finals—makes England’s approach a necessity, not a luxury. Every session spent on spot-kicks is a statement of intent: they will not be intimidated.

Why it matters now

This isn’t just about avoiding failure; it’s about seizing control. England’s penalty drills have become a microcosm of their broader tactical evolution under Southgate. Where past teams might have treated shootouts as a lottery, this side treats them as a solvable problem. The repetition breeds confidence, and confidence erodes fear. Dorsett’s reporting highlights how the squad’s mindset has shifted from dread to readiness—a subtle but crucial distinction. The players have been drilled in the mechanics of their runs, the timing of their strikes, and the mental cues to reset after a miss. Even the substitutes are involved, simulating pressure scenarios to ensure the entire squad is mentally prepared.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. A World Cup final is the ultimate crucible, and penalties are its most unpredictable variable. England’s opponents, whether in the final or earlier rounds, will be acutely aware of their preparation. The psychological ripple effect is undeniable: if England’s players step up to the spot believing they’ve already won the mental battle, their opponents must wonder what advantage they truly hold. The Albiceleste, with their history of penalty heroics, will be particularly attuned to England’s readiness—or lack thereof.

What comes next

The real test lies in execution. Drills in training are one thing; converting penalties under floodlights, with millions watching, is another. Southgate’s approach suggests he’s banking on muscle memory to bridge the gap. The players, meanwhile, have embraced the challenge. The message from camp is consistent: they’re not just prepared—they’re eager for the moment. Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford, and the designated penalty specialists have all taken turns in high-pressure simulations, with the coaching staff monitoring their reactions in real time. The squad’s collective buy-in is evident in the way they discuss penalties—no longer as a weakness, but as an opportunity.

For England, the penalty obsession is more than a tactical quirk; it’s a cultural shift. Southgate has spent years dismantling the idea that his team is defined by penalty failures. By making spot-kicks a daily ritual, he’s forcing a new narrative—one where England dictate the terms, even in the most daunting scenarios. The question now is whether the rest of the world believes it. The final, if it comes to pass, will be the ultimate test of whether preparation can truly rewrite destiny.

As the tournament reaches its climax, England’s penalty regimen stands as a reminder: preparation isn’t just about tactics. It’s about rewiring expectations. Whether it’s enough to secure the trophy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—they won’t be caught off guard.