England have practised penalties in every training session since the start of World Cup 2026, confident that a shootout against old foes Argentina holds no terror for them. Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett reports that the squad have been drilling spot-kicks relentlessly, and the internal message is clear: "They don't have that fear."
"The players are ready. They have been taking penalties at the end of every session since they arrived at the tournament. They believe in themselves and they don't have the fear that might have haunted England teams of the past," Dorsett said.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has overseen the meticulous preparation, ensuring every potential taker knows their role. The focus on penalties reflects both the tight margins expected in a semi-final and the weight of a rivalry that has rarely been decided by conventional means.
The semi-final stage
England face Argentina in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, with a place in the final at stake. Tuchel's side navigated Group L with wins over Croatia and Panama before a goalless draw with Ghana, then eliminated DR Congo, Mexico and Norway in the knockout rounds. Argentina, the holders, topped Group J and saw off Cape Verde and Egypt before a dramatic extra-time victory over Switzerland in the last eight.
The two nations have not met in over two decades, a scarcity that only intensifies the occasion. The infamous handball of 1986, David Beckham's red card in 1998 and a tetchy 2002 group encounter all feed a rivalry fuelled by history and geopolitics. Yet for all the external noise, England's current camp projects calm determination.
Tuchel's attacking tweak
There is team news, too, with Morgan Rogers reportedly set to make only his second start of the tournament. The Aston Villa forward has impressed in cameos and Tuchel appears ready to inject fresh legs into an attack that required extra time to beat Norway. Rogers' directness could be a key weapon against an Argentina backline that has looked vulnerable on the counter.
Whether the match goes the distance or not, England's penalty practice ensures they are prepared for every eventuality. As one member of the backroom staff put it: "We've done the work. Now it's about execution."
