By Scott McGlynn
England haven’t always shone at the European Championships but when they have it has often been something special. And there have also been some massive disappointments.
We take a look back at England’s most memorable matches at the Euros through the years – expect some fond memories and some heartbreaking classics.
5. England 2-0 Scotland (Euro ‘96, Group Stage)
Having struggled to a 1-1 draw in their opening match against Switzerland, England faced the “Auld Enemy,” Scotland, at Wembley knowing that a win was very much required.
Alan Shearer put them in front at the start of the second half before the game burst into life in a matter of minutes.
Scotland missed a penalty before Paul Gascoigne scored one of the most memorable European Championship goals, followed by that iconic celebration.
Victory over the Scots kick-started England’s best-ever performance at a Euros, while Scotland failed to qualify from the group on goal difference behind the Netherlands.
4. England 1-2 Iceland (Euro 2016, Round of 16)
While that Wembley victory over Scotland ranks highly as one of England’s top performances, defeat to Iceland in 2016 surely ranks as their lowest.
The 3 Lions had looked off the pace in their group matches and worse was to come in their last 16 showdown against Iceland – who were ranked just 34th in the world.
Roy Hodgson’s side were shown up by the work rate, desire, and sheer physical commitment of Iceland – goals from Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson eventually saw Iceland go through.
3. England 4-1 Netherlands (Euro ‘96, Group Stage)
We’re back to the summer of 1996 as England sealed top spot in the group courtesy of a scintillating display over the Dutch.
Gazza ruled the pitch at Wembley as two goals apiece from the Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham saw England storm to a 4-0 lead in breathtaking fashion.
A late goal from Patrick Kluivert seemed like nothing but a consolation for the Dutch but it was that crucial goal that sealed their spot in the quarter-finals as the Netherlands edged out Scotland for second spot in the group.
2. England 4-2 Croatia (Euro 2004, Group Stage)
England headed into their final group match at Euro 2004 knowing that a win and a big performance was required to ensure their spot in the quarter-finals.
90 minutes and six goals later, their quarter-final slot against Portugal was locked in after a 4-2 victory over Croatia.
A Wayne Rooney double alongside goals from Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard saw England home in an end-to-end classic.
1. England 1-1 Germany (Euro ‘96, Semi-Final)
Aaah 1996 – the year football almost came home.
Having seen off Spain in a quarter-final penalty shoot-out, England faced Germany at Wembley for a spot in the final.
They got off to the perfect start with Alan Shearer firing them into the lead after just 3 minutes before Stefan Kuntz equalised for the Germans 13 minutes later.
Nothing could split the teams after 90 minutes or 30 minutes of extra-time so it was left to penalties to decide who would face the Czech Republic in the final.
After five successful penalties each, Gareth Southgate was the man to crumble and miss – his reward was a Pizza Hut advert and the chance to lead the England squad to Euro 2020 glory… maybe.
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