What happened to David Batty, who shook off penalty miss against Argentina?

David Batty’s World Cup penalty moment in 1998 remains a focal point after England’s dramatic last-16 shootout against Argentina, when Batty was tasked with the decisive fifth penalty. The midfielder stepped up after the tie went to penalties, but Argentina goalkeeper Carlos Roa saved to send his team through. Instead of public collapse, Batty stayed composed that night, even questioning why his friend and agent, Hayden Evans, had come from the stands. The later appearance of a fast-food company wanting him for an advert campaign about the miss became the occasion for him to show frustration, rather than profit from the disappointment of supporters. Ahead of England meeting Argentina again in the knockout stage, the piece revisits Batty’s enduring popularity and his low-key retirement, with references to his 2004 exit and a WhatsApp group mystery tied to his 57th birthday.