ITV have been showing the entire tournament of Euro 96 during lockdown, a summer that was filled with sun, a home tournament and England reaching their first ever European semi-finals. Over the years, there have been many moments from World Cups or Euros that will forever be a part of English football fans' lives. With the Germany match being shown on Thursday, I have narrowed down 40 moments from 18 tournaments that either fill you with pain or joy.
1. USA beat England (1950 World Cup)
England did not take part in the first three World Cups due to snobbery towards FIFA. That ended in 1950 after rejoining the organisation in 1946. Under Walter Winterbottom, England were one of the favourites going into the tournament but crashed out in the group stage, suffering the ignominy of losing to the United States, whose players were semi-pro and had other day jobs (teacher, hearse driver, letter carriers, dishwashers). The only goal came from Joe Gaetjens who was, and never became, a US citizen. It's one of the greatest World Cup upsets ever.
2. Hurst's final hat-trick (1966 World Cup)
As hosts of the competition, there was great expectation on Alf Ramsey's to win the World Cup. Geoff Hurst didn't start any of the group stage matches but he replaced the legendary Jimmy Greaves for the quarter-final and scored the winner. He retained his place for the semi-final and final, becoming the first, and currently only, player to score three goals in the final. There was, though, his infamous second goal that modern studies show never crossed the line, but was luckily given to England.
3. Moore lifts the World Cup (1966 World Cup)
Hurst's hat-trick was the key factor in England defeating West Germany 4-2 in the final, with Martin Peter scoring the other. The above photo of Bobby Moore being held above his teammates with the Jules Rimet trophy lifted to the sky in his hand is arguably the greatest photo in English football history. It was, though, the peak that would lead to continuous heartbreak for the next 52 years.
4. Mullery gets England's first red card (1968 Euros)
England faced Yugoslavia in the semi-finals and went 1-0 down in the 86th minute to a Dragan Dzajic goal. The players had been incensed by the robust style of the Yugoslavs and Alan Mullery snapped in the 89th minute. He was fouled by Dobrivoje Trivic, making his leg start bleeding. Clearly enraged, Mullery turned around and booted Trivic in the groin, right in front the referee. Ramsey understood Mullery's actions and even paid the £50 fine the FA gave him.
5. Banks' save from Pele (1970 World Cup)
It's largely considered that the England 1970 squad was better than the 1966 side who triumphed. Unfortunately, they came up against Brazil, whose 1970 team are potentially the greatest team of all time. Brazil won 1-0 but the group fixture is remembered for the unbelievable save produced by Gordon Banks from Pele. He had to dive backwards to divert the ball up and past the post. Miraculous. Banks missed the quarter-final against West Germany through illness and his deputy, Peter Bonetti, showed why he was voted FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year for 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971.
6. Moore and Pele swap shirts (1970 World Cup)
This is a magnificent scene. Two legends of the game acknowledging each other. World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore and three time World Cup winner Pele. Greatness recognises greatness.
7. Keegan's missed header (1982 World Cup)
At the 1982 World Cup, England would be unbeaten but still not win. The second group phase came and quickly went but Ron Greenwood's men knew they had to beat Spain by two goals to progress. Kevin Keegan, 1979 Ballon d'Or winner, came on as a sub to win the game and with the score level, he missed a guilt-edged header to put England on their way to the semi-finals. The final score finished 0-0.
8. Lineker's hat-trick (1986 World Cup)
Bobby Robson was now manager but he could not lead England to Euro 84. Mexico 86 started awfully with a 1-0 loss to Portugal and 0-0 draw against Morocco. Only a win could get England through to the knockout phase. Gary Lineker, clinical goalscorer, stepped forward for his county. He scored all three goals from close range in a 3-0 win over Poland to set up a last sixteen match with Paraguay.
9. Hand of God (1986 World Cup)
A quarter-final with Diego Maradona's Argentina offered difficult challenge to England. In the 51st minute, Steve Hodge tried to clear the ball but cleared towards Peter Shilton. Then, 6ft Shilton was beaten in the air by 5ft 5in Diego Maradona. There was no way that could've happened unless Maradona used his hand, which he did. England protested but referee Ali Bin Nasser was having none of it.
10. The Goal of the Century (1986 World Cup)
Maradona showed the two sides of South American football. He cheated his way to his first, but his second was incredible. Picking the ball up in his own half, he went past Peter Beardsley, Peter Reid, Terry Butcher twice, Terry Fenwick and rounded Peter Shilton to score the greatest World Cup goal ever. England lost 2-1 and were out.
11. Ireland stun England (1988 Euros)
The Republic were coming to their first ever major tournament with a lot of English players in their squad. Of the twenty, eleven were from England and their manager was World Cup winner Jack Charlton. It would be Scotsman Ray Houghton (who moved to London aged 10) who scored the only goal of the game when Ireland beat England 1-0. England lost all three games at Euro 88 in one of their worst performances ever.
12. Platt's last minute winner (1990 World Cup)
England topped their group despite at Italia '90 but the football had been far from scintillating. The last 16 match against Belgium finished 0-0 after 90 minutes and seemed to be heading to penalties before England won a free kick in the 119th minute. Paul Gascoigne whipped in a quality cross and substitute David Platt spun his body and unleashed a volley to win the match. Jubilation!
13. Gazza's tears (1990 World Cup)
Paul Gascoigne was the best player at Italia 90 - forget Toto Schillaci. He possessed flair and the ability to play a killer pass that nobody else could. His through ball to Lineker resulted in the striker winning and then scoring the crucial penalty over Cameroon to take England to the semi-finals of a World Cup for the first time in 24 years. Gazza had picked up a yellow card against Belgium and when he fouled West Germany's Thomas Berthold, his second caution meant if England went through, he would miss the final through suspension. He cried, and you can't help but feel sorry for him.
14. Waddle's missed penalty (1990 World Cup)
West Germany and England could not be separated after extra time so that meant penalties. The Germans scored four from four but Stuart Pearce was denied by Bodo Illgner. If Chris Waddle missed, West Germany would go through to the final. He skied his penalty and sadly England were out. This started England's loathed relationship with penalty shootouts.
15. Taylor subs off Lineker (1992 Euros)
Graham Taylor was out of his depth as England manager. At Euro 92, England had to beat Sweden to progress to the last four. Platt gave England an early lead but were pegged back by Jan Eriksson. In need of a goal, you'd think captain Gary Lineker - 1986 World Cup Golden Boot winner, second highest top goalscorer for England and who scored 35 in 50 games for Tottenham in 1991/92 - would be the man. Not for Taylor. He subbed him off in the 62nd minute in favour of Alan Smith, who had 17 in 46. It would be Lineker's final ever England game and Sweden won 2-1. Cue the famous The Sun headline "SWEDES 2 TURNIPS 1".
16. Gazza's goal against Scotland (1996 Euros)
England had opened Euro 96 with a poor draw against Switzerland. David Seaman had just saved a penalty from Gary McAllister to keep the score against Scotland at 1-1. From the next England attack, Gascogine received the ball in an advanced position. He lifted the ball over Colin Hendry, making him fall on the floor, and volleyed the ball into the net. It's one of the greatest goals ever scored by England.
17. The Dentist's Chair celebration (1996 Euros)
Before the tournament, England's players had been embroiled in controversy over a heavy night's drinking in Hong Kong. Ever the joker, Gascoigne arranged that if somebody scored, they would recreate the Dentist's Chair. He laid down and was sprayed with water by his teammates, congratulating him on a brilliant goal.
18. Netherlands hit for four (1996 Euros)
Behind the World Cup final, this is England's greatest result. A mastermind from Terry Venables, he devised a master plan to quieten the Dutch and it worked. Two goals each from Alan Shearer and Teddy Sherringham caused pandemonium at Wembley and across the country. This was the Netherlands with Edwin van der Sar, Danny Blind, Ronald de Boer, Dennis Bergkamp and a young Clarence Seedorf. They weren't nobodies. They lost 4-1 to England.
19. 'Psycho' Pearce (1996 Euros)
Spain represented England's first meeting with penalties since the cruel ending in Italy six years earlier. Stuart Pearce missed a penalty then and was determined to atone for his error. His powerful shot into the bottom corner was too good for Andoni Zubizarreta and it clearly meant a lot to him. It could only have been an outer body experience that caused Pearce to react like a mad man. Seaman saved from Miguel Angel Nadal meaning England had won on penalties.
20. Anderton hits the post (1996 Euros)
Shearer's goal inside three minutes was cancelled out by Stefan Kuntz (ironic name) thirteen minutes later. England and Germany remained level through other 74 minutes so extra time was required. Golden goal was still in use at Euro 96 and England so nearly won it; Darren Anderton struck the post in the first period with the goal gaping. The pass was slightly behind him so Anderton had to try and wrap his foot around the ball. He should score, but it's not as easy as it looks. |
21. Gazza almost scores (1996 Euros)
This is the cruelest moment in English football. Germany had a goal (unfairly) ruled out for an infringement at a corner before this. Sheringham hit a diagonal ball to Shearer. Shearer, on the volley, rolled the ball along the six yard line with Gascoigne making a darting run to the back post. Andreas Kopke didn't collect the ball but Gascoigne couldn't connect. How? He was a toenail away. It's the definition of heartbreaking. If anybody deserves to put England into a final, it was Gazza. Penalties loomed.
22. Southgate's missed penalty (1996 Euros)
England and Germany went tit for tat in the first five penalties. Shearer, Platt, Pearce, Gascoigne and Sheringham all scored, as did Germany's five takers. The task fell to Gareth Southgate, who'd never taken a penalty before. It was a poor effort, nowhere near a top or bottom corner with Kopke able to make an easy save/ Andreas Moller shot straight down the middle and England were out. Terry Venables had already agreed to leave (don't get me started) and his dream - our dream - was shattered.
23. Owen's wonder goal (1998 World Cup)
Michael Owen was an eighteen year-old with the world at his feet. Glenn Hoddle was now manager and the group stages had seen England come 2nd and set up a first meeting with Argentina since 1986. Gabriel Batistuta scored a penalty before Shearer scored one for England; Owen was fouled. Seven minutes later, Beckham found Owen in the centre of the pitch. He put the burners on, runs past Jose Chamot and Roberto Ayala and gives Carlos Roa no chance. The shot is high into the top corner. England have scored their own Maradona-esque goal.
24. Beckham's red card (1998 World Cup)
Beckham's celebrity status transcended football. It can be forgotten how talented he was. Perhaps, though, this was his defining moment in an England shirt. Little had gone in the second half as Beckham was fouled by Diego Simeone but he retaliated with a petulent kick right under referee Kim Milton Nielsen's nose. Argentinians swarm around the ref knowing Beckham could be sent off. He brandishes a yellow to Simeone for the first offence, reaches into his pocket and gives Beckham a red. The infamous headline from the Daily Mirror of "10 HEROIC LIONS ONE STUPID BOY".
25. Campbell's disallowed goal (1998 World Cup)
Beckham had been sent off with the score at 2-2 before a corner in the 80th minute. Sol Campbell jumped highest to head the ball into the net and England rejoiced. The referee, Kim Milton Nielsen, adjuged Alan Shearer to have fouled goalkeeper Carlos Roa. He allowed play to restart when England were still celebrating and it was only through a last ditch Darren Anderton tackle, who had taken the corner, to stop a counter-attack that seemed destined to be a goal.
26. More penalty heartache (1998 World Cup)
It finished 2-2 after extra time so penalties were needed. Hernan Crespo missed Argentina's second which gave Paul Ince, who didn't take one against Germany two years earlier, to give England the advantage. He missed. After five kicks, Argentina were winning 4-3, meaning David Batty had to score. He missed, too. Out on penalties again.
27. Neville gives away a penalty (2000 Euros)
Hoddle left England under a dark cloud and was replaced by the hopeless Kevin Keegan. At Euro 2000, England needed a draw against Romania to qualify for the last four. As full time approached, it was 2-2 but Phil Neville was turned by Viorel Moldovan. Sol Campbell was blocking his passing line but Neville, in a moment of madness, lunged to win the ball but was nowhere near. He took out Moldovan, a penalty was awarded, Ionel Ganea scored and England were out.
28. Beckham's Argentine redemption (2002 World Cup)
After the previous World Cup, fans were burning effigies of Beckham after he was dismissed against Argentina. In 2002, both sides were drawn in the same group. Owen was tripped by Mauricio Pochettino in the box - a clear penalty. You have to seize opportunities like this. How much pressure must've been on Beckham. He hit it hard and low with Pablo Cavallero rooted to the spot. Atonement.
29. Ronaldinho's free kick (2002 World Cup)
Sven Goran Eriksson had taken England to their first World Cup quarter-final since 1990, with a first match against Brazil since 1970. Owen gave England the lead but Rivaldo equalised just before half time. Brazil won a free kick in a crossing position and Ronaldinho was to take. Seaman was a bit off his line but that was normal, as he would have an advantage over the Brazilians to claim the ball. Ronaldinho, however, did not cross and caught Seaman off his line. Seaman backpedalled but the ball sailed over his head. Ronaldinho says it was a shot. I'm not so sure.
30. Rooney's tournament (2004 Euros)
Just as Michael Owen had done six years prior, another teenager announced themselves on the international stage with England. Wayne Rooney started all four matches, four goals. He had everything in a striker you wanted: pace, strength, finishing ability, link up play. Unfortunately, against Portugal, he went off injured after 27 minutes and his tournament was over. Rooney was, unsurprisingly, named in the Team of the Tournament.
31. Campbell's disallowed goal (2004 Euros)
Before Rooney had been substituted, Owen had scored to put England 1-0 up but Helder Postiga equalised late on. Rui Costa reversed the scorline in extra time but England got an equaliser of their own through Frank Lampard. Lightning struck twice for Sol Campbell as John Terry supposedly obstructed Ricardo in trying to claim the ball. It would've prevented penalties and what seemed like another foregone conclusion.
32. Ricardo saves without gloves (2004 Euros)
Penalties can provoke players to try mind games with other players. Takers may stutter their run up, goalies may do jelly legs. Ricardo took his gloves off. Beckham took one of the worst penalties ever but Rui Costa blasted over to restore parity. Then, for England's sixth, with his bare hands, Ricardo saved from Darius Vassell. Ricardo, keeping his gloves off, hammered in the penalty to knock England's Golden Generation out.
33. Cole's chest and volley (2006 World Cup)
What a goal! He must be about 30 yards out, but that doesn't stop Joe Cole from scoring a worldy against Sweden. Controlled with his chest, he smacks the ball on the volley, off the post and into the net. It's up there with Owen vs Argentina as England's greatest World Cup goal.
34. Rooney's red card (2006 World Cup)
Portugal had a game plan for Rooney, implemented by his Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. They roughed him, got in his head and eventually, Rooney bit. In the 62nd minute, Rooney was fouled by Carvalho and aggressively stamped on him. The Portugal players surrounded the referee, pushing him to get Rooney sent off. Ronaldo was the ringleader. Regardless of what they did, the red card was inevitable. Ronaldo winked and England went out on penalties - Rooney definitely would've taken one. For the second consecutive tournament, the Golden Generation had lost on penalties to Portugal.
35. Green's mistake (2010 World Cup)
Whether it was David James, Scott Carson, Paul Robinson or, this time, Rob Green, the Golden Generation were let down by poor quality goalkeepers. Against the USA, Steven Gerrard scored a goal to give England the advantage and when Clint Dempsey sent a shot straight at Green, he was expected to gather the ball. The Jubilani was criticised a lot by goalkeepers for the way it moved but Green can't use this as an excuse. He took his eye off the ball and spilt it out of his hands. A horror show that led to a 1-1 draw.
36. Rooney's rant (2010 World Cup)
England had just drawn 0-0 with Algeria and the fans were well in the rights to boo the players off the pitch. Rooney did not think so, saying to the camera as he walked off, "nice to see your own fans booing you, you football 'supporters'". Rooney had failed to perform in the previous World Cup and continued the same form in South Africa, so his attitude was not appreciated.
37. Lampard's ghost goal (2010 World Cup)
It was a goal. It would've been 2-2. England would've come back from 2-0 down. The momentum was with us. We would've won the game. Maybe that last bit is a stretch too far, but it's ridiculous that the officials couldn't see that Frank Lampard's shot crossed the line. Germany were still a much better side than England but you never know what may have happened. The Germans had beaten England again. Justice for 1966? This was Fabio Capello's only tournament as manager, replaced by Roy Hodgson in 2012.
38. Pirlo chips Hart (2012 Euros)
Penalties were required again as England and Italy played out a 0-0. Ashley Young had just missed but England were still ahead 2-1. "Hart looked very confident in himself," said Pirlo, "so I thought I had to bring him down a peg or two." He did, in the most classy Pirlo way possible. A panenka. To have the cockiness to do that is admirable. Ashley Cole missed England's next penalty with Italy winning 4-2.
39. Sterling's side-netting goal (2014 World Cup)
The group stage game against Italy was a strange one. Fans had to stay up until 11pm to watch England's opening World Cup match and were delighed just three minutes in when Raheem Sterling scored a screamer from a fair distance. The BBC's goal-flasher went across the scoreboard only for it to hit the side-netting. Everyone around the country thought it had gone in.
40. England lost to Iceland (2016 Euros)
English football has never sunk lower than on the 27th June 2016. England lost to Iceland, a country with the population the size of Croydon. It was embrassing, humiliating but, above all else, not surprising. As an England fan, you expect defeat. You expect heartbreak. You expect to feel sick as your goalie looses the ability of his hands. Hodgson, like Taylor and McClaren, was out of his depth and promptly resigned before being sacked.
41. First World Cup win on penalties (2018 World Cup)
This was for Italia '90, for France '98, for Germany '06. We won on penalties at the World Cup. Those dreaded penalties. Jordan Henderson missed to put Colombia in the driving seat. Mateus Uribe hit the bar, Kieran Trippier scored. Jordan Pickford saved from Carlos Bacca, giving Eric Dier the chance to become a national hero. A scuffed effort, it still went into the bottom corner and across living rooms, pubs and fanzones across the country, England were through because they'd actually beaten someone on a penalty shootout.
42. Trippier's free kick (2018 World Cup)
My life peaked at this moment. How could it not? After Kieran Trippier's goal, England were on course to go to a World Cup final. It's a great free kick as well. Beer flying everywhere. The commentary from Clive Tyldesley of "It's Kieran Trippier... IT'S IN!" will stay with me for the rest of my life. Take me back, please.
43. Kane's missed chance (2018 World Cup)
1-0 was good, imagine what 2-0 would've been like. Harry Kane had a shot saved by Danijel Subasic but he gathered the ball on the byline. Taking a touch inside, it seemed like he had to score. Somehow, Subasic saved with his foot. Off the bar and over. It doesn't make sense. For the original shot, Kane could've squared the ball to Raheem Sterling and an easy tap in would've happened. Hindsight is an unhelpful friend. Croatia didn't get tired, got a second wind and won the game in extra time.
68 years of English football cut down to 42 moments. Here's to the Euros next year and Qatar 2022 (even with its problems). There's nothing like a major tournament.
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