England’s Heartbreaks: A Journey of Disappointments Since 1966

The England National Football Team’s triumph in the 1966 World Cup remains a monumental moment in football history. However, since lifting the trophy on home soil, England’s journey in major tournaments has been marked by a series of disappointments and near-misses.

1970 World Cup – Quarter-Final Exit

Four years after their World Cup victory, England entered the 1970 tournament in Mexico with high hopes. Despite a strong start, their campaign ended in the quarter-finals against West Germany. Leading 2-0, England conceded three goals to lose 3-2 in extra time, a devastating blow for the defending champions.

1986 World Cup – Hand of God

The 1986 World Cup in Mexico saw England reach the quarter-finals, where they faced Argentina. The match is infamous for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal, where he used his hand to score. Despite a valiant effort and a brilliant goal from Gary Lineker, England lost 2-1, leaving fans and players heartbroken.

1990 World Cup – Semi-Final Penalty Shootout

Italia ’90 was a memorable tournament for England, marked by thrilling matches and Gazza’s tears. England reached the semi-finals but faced West Germany in a tense encounter. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. England lost 4-3 on penalties, with Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missing crucial spot-kicks, dashing their hopes of reaching the final.

Euro 1996 – Football’s Coming Home?

Hosting the European Championship in 1996, England fans dared to dream again. The team performed admirably, reaching the semi-finals against Germany. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, forcing another penalty shootout. Gareth Southgate’s missed penalty resulted in a 6-5 loss, another painful exit at the hands of Germany.

1998 World Cup – Beckham’s Red Card

In the 1998 World Cup in France, England faced Argentina in the round of 16. A thrilling match saw both teams tied at 2-2 after extra time. The turning point came when David Beckham was sent off for a petulant kick at Diego Simeone. England held on but eventually lost 4-3 in the penalty shootout, ending their World Cup dreams.

2002 World Cup – Ronaldinho’s Wonder Goal

The 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan saw England reach the quarter-finals. Facing Brazil, England took an early lead through Michael Owen. However, Rivaldo equalized before half-time, and Ronaldinho scored a spectacular long-range free-kick, catching David Seaman off his line. England couldn’t recover and lost 2-1, another quarter-final disappointment.

Euro 2004 – Quarter-Final Penalty Heartbreak

In Euro 2004, hosted by Portugal, England faced the host nation in the quarter-finals. The match ended 2-2 after extra time, with England’s goals from Michael Owen and Frank Lampard. The penalty shootout saw England lose 6-5, with David Beckham and Darius Vassell missing their kicks, continuing the penalty curse.

2006 World Cup – Rooney’s Red Card

The 2006 World Cup in Germany saw England face Portugal in the quarter-finals. The match ended 0-0 after extra time, but the talking point was Wayne Rooney’s red card for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho. England lost the penalty shootout 3-1, with Lampard, Gerrard, and Carragher missing their penalties, another painful exit.

2010 World Cup – Lampard’s Ghost Goal

In South Africa 2010, England faced Germany in the round of 16. Trailing 2-1, Frank Lampard’s shot clearly crossed the line, but the goal was not given. The match ended in a 4-1 defeat, but the controversy over Lampard’s disallowed goal overshadowed England’s poor performance.

Euro 2016 – Iceland Shock

Euro 2016 in France saw one of England’s most humiliating exits. Facing Iceland in the round of 16, England took an early lead but quickly fell behind. A lackluster performance saw them lose 2-1, marking a new low for the national team and leading to the resignation of manager Roy Hodgson.

2018 World Cup – Semi-Final Setback

In Russia 2018, England reached their first World Cup semi-final since 1990. Facing Croatia, Kieran Trippier’s early free-kick goal raised hopes, but Croatia equalized and scored the winner in extra time, leading to a 2-1 defeat. Despite the progress, it was a missed opportunity for England to reach the final.

Euro 2020 – Final Heartbreak

Postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic, Euro 2020 saw England reach their first major final since 1966. Facing Italy at Wembley, Luke Shaw’s early goal was canceled out by Leonardo Bonucci’s equalizer. The match ended 1-1, leading to a penalty shootout. England lost 3-2, with misses from Rashford, Sancho, and Saka, leaving fans heartbroken yet again.