England’s 58 Years of European Championship & World Cup Pain
England’s men have endured 58 years of heartbreak since their triumphant 1966 World Cup victory on home soil. Despite coming close to breaking the curse at Euro 2020, where they lost to Italy in a dramatic penalty shootout final, the journey has been filled with disappointment and near misses. Here are 10 of the most heartbreaking moments in England’s tournament history.
**Euro 2020 Final: Italy Win on Penalties**
England’s hopes were high as they faced Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. Luke Shaw’s early goal gave them the lead, but Italy equalized, leading to a penalty shootout. The nation held its breath as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka missed their spot-kicks, sealing Italy’s victory.
**2018 World Cup: Defeat to Croatia in Extra Time**
In the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, England took the lead against Croatia but ultimately lost in extra time. Despite a disappointing defeat by Belgium in the third-place playoff, England did secure their first penalty shootout win in five attempts against Colombia.
**Euro 2016: Shocking Loss to Iceland**
One of the most disappointing exits came at Euro 2016 when England, heavy favorites, suffered a shocking defeat to Iceland. Despite an early lead through Wayne Rooney, England could not recover, leaving Roy Hodgson without a job.
**2010 World Cup: Controversial ‘Goal’ Denial**
England’s 4-1 loss to Germany in the 2010 World Cup last 16 was marred by controversy when Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal clearly crossed the line. The team’s frustration was evident as they crashed out of the tournament.
**2006 World Cup: Rooney’s Red Card and Ronaldo’s Wink**
At the 2006 World Cup, England faced Portugal in the quarter-finals, with Wayne Rooney seeing red and Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous wink adding insult to injury. England lost on penalties, with only Owen Hargreaves finding the net.
**Euro 2004: Defeat to Portugal in Penalties**
In a familiar tale, England lost to Portugal in Euro 2004 after a tense quarter-final that ended in a penalty shootout. David Beckham missed the first spot-kick, setting the tone for England’s exit.
**1998 World Cup: Beckham’s Red Card and Penalty Defeat**
In the 1998 World Cup, David Beckham’s red card against Argentina proved costly as England lost on penalties. Despite a valiant effort, the Three Lions fell short in the knockout stages.
**Euro 1996: Penalty Heartbreak Against Germany**
England’s penalty woes continued in Euro 1996, with a semi-final defeat to Germany following a tense shootout. Gareth Southgate missed the decisive penalty, ending England’s hopes of glory.
**1990 World Cup: Painful Penalty Loss to West Germany**
In the 1990 World Cup semi-final, England faced West Germany and suffered another penalty defeat. Tears flowed as Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missed crucial spot-kicks, ending England’s dream.
**1986 World Cup: Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’**
Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina left England stunned. Despite a late rally, England fell short, marking another chapter of heartbreak in their tournament history.
As England continues to chase glory in major tournaments, the ghosts of past disappointments remain, serving as a reminder of the team’s enduring quest for success.
