We are into shootout territory from Sunday when England face Slovakia in the last 16 but, while there will be nerves, players should no longer be shaking with fear.
Gareth Southgate changed all that in the 2018 World Cup when England won their first penalty shootout in a tournament in 22 years.
They suffered heartbreak in the last Euros finals when they lost to Italy in a shootout but, unlike under previous managers, Southgate has changed England's approach.
And much of that is down to an unsung hero. Chris Markham, who is now sporting director at Bolton Wanderers, had four years at the Football Association as Game Insights Lead.
Markham helped change the attitude towards penalties from being a "lottery" to a science where players did detailed preparation, studies, and just the right amount of practice. Too much practice, the experts say, can actually add to the nerves.
Southgate had the first conversations with Markham in 2017, who then held a players' meeting in March 2018 and convinced the squad.
After England beat.
This story is from the June 28, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
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This story is from the June 28, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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