England, the birthplace of football, boasts a rich history in the sport, famously winning the FIFA World Cup in 1966. However, success in the UEFA European Championship, often referred to as the Euro Cup, has eluded the Three Lions. While they’ve come agonizingly close on a couple of occasions, the coveted trophy remains just out of reach for English football fans. This article delves into England’s journey through the Euro Cup, exploring their best performances and persistent quest for victory in this prestigious international tournament.
England’s Best Euro Cup Finishes
The closest England has come to Euro Cup glory was at EURO 2020, held in 2021 due to the pandemic. Reaching the final at Wembley Stadium, their home ground, raised hopes sky-high. Unfortunately, in a heartbreaking climax, they lost to Italy in a penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw. More recently, the Three Lions once again reached the final of EURO 2024. In another close contest, they narrowly missed out on the title, this time losing to Spain. These two runner-up finishes represent England’s best performances in the Euro Cup to date, highlighting their consistent competitiveness but also the lingering wait for a championship victory.
England’s Euro Cup Records at a Glance:
- Best Result: Runners-up (2020, 2024)
- EURO Appearances: 11
- EURO Hosts: 1996 (Semi-finals), 2020 (Final) – joint hosts
- Overall Record: Played 45 matches, Won 18, Drew 16, Lost 11, Goals For 59, Goals Against 43
- Group Stage Record: Played 30 matches, Won 12, Drew 10, Lost 8, Goals For 38, Goals Against 30
- Knockout Record: Played 15 matches, Won 6, Drew 6, Lost 3, Goals For 21, Goals Against 13
Euro Cup Tournament History for England: Year by Year
| EURO Edition | Result |
|---|---|
| 1960 | Did not participate |
| 1964 | Did not qualify |
| 1968 | Third place |
| 1972 | Did not qualify |
| 1976 | Did not qualify |
| 1980 | Group stage |
| 1984 | Did not qualify |
| 1988 | Group stage |
| 1992 | Group stage |
| 1996 | Semi-finals |
| 2000 | Group stage |
| 2004 | Quarter-finals |
| 2008 | Did not qualify |
| 2012 | Quarter-finals |
| 2016 | Round of 16 |
| 2020 | Runners-up |
| 2024 | Runners-up |
England team line up before the Euro 2020 Final at Wembley Stadium, London
Diving Deeper into England’s Euro Cup Records
England’s journey in the Euro Cup began with qualification for the EURO finals in 1968. Since 1980, they have been a relatively consistent presence, only missing the final tournament twice, in 1984 and 2008. Over the years, England has compiled a series of notable records in the competition.
Key Euro Cup Statistics for England:
- Biggest Victory: 4-0 against Ukraine, 03/07/2021 (Quarter-finals)
- Heaviest Defeats:
- 3-1 against Netherlands, 15/06/1988 (Group stage)
- 3-1 against Soviet Union, 18/06/1988 (Group stage)
- Highest Scoring Draw: 2-2 against Portugal, 24/06/2004 (Quarter-finals)
- Highest Scoring Game: 6 goals in a 4-2 victory against Croatia, 21/06/2004 (Group stage)
- Most Goals Scored at a EURO: 11 goals in 7 games in 2020 (average 1.57 goals per game)
- Fewest Goals Scored at a EURO: 1 goal in 3 games in 1992 (average 0.33 goals per game)
- Most Different Goalscorers at a EURO: 5 in 2004, 2012, 2020, and 2024 tournaments
- Fewest Different Goalscorers at a EURO: 1 in 1992
England’s Group Stage Dominance and Struggles
England has participated in the Euro Cup group stage 10 times (1980, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024). They have successfully qualified from the group stage in 6 of these appearances, demonstrating a level of consistency in reaching the knockout rounds. On four occasions, England topped their group, further highlighting their potential in the tournament. However, they have also experienced winless group stages twice, indicating periods of underperformance.
Group Stage Records Summary:
- Appearances: 10 (1980, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
- Qualified from Group: 6 (1996, 2004, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
- Group Winners: 4 (1996, 2012, 2020, 2024)
- Group Runners-up: 2 (2004, 2016)
- Unbeaten Group Stages: 5 (1996, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
- Winless Group Stages: 2 (1988, 1992)
- Best Group Record: 1996 (3 matches, 2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses, 7 goals scored, 2 goals conceded)
- Worst Group Record: 1988 (3 matches, 0 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses, 2 goals scored, 7 goals conceded)
- Fewest Points to Qualify: 5 points (2016, 2024)
- Most Points without Qualifying: 3 points in 1980* (*2 points for a win)
Memorable Group Stage Victories and Defeats:
- Biggest Group Stage Victories:
- 4-1 against Netherlands, 18/06/1996
- 3-0 against Switzerland, 17/06/2004
- Heaviest Group Stage Defeats:
- 3-1 against Netherlands, 15/06/1988
- 3-1 against Soviet Union, 18/06/1988
- Highest Scoring Group Stage Game: 6 goals in a 4-2 victory against Croatia, 21/06/2004
- Most Group Goals Scored: 8 goals in 2004
- Most Group Goals Conceded: 7 goals in 1988
- Fewest Group Goals Scored: 1 goal in 1992
- Fewest Group Goals Conceded: 0 goals in 2020
Alan Shearer’s powerful volley against the Netherlands in Euro 1996, a memorable moment in England’s group stage history.
Knockout Stage Heartbreak for England
While England has often navigated the group stages successfully, the knockout rounds of the Euro Cup have frequently been a source of disappointment. Reaching the Round of 16 three times, the Quarter-finals five times and Semi-finals four times shows a pattern of progression, but the two final losses underscore a persistent barrier to ultimate victory. Penalty shootouts have become an unfortunate recurring theme in England’s Euro Cup knockout history, with more losses than wins in crucial moments.
England’s Knockout Stage Records:
- Round of 16: Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1
- Quarter-finals: Played 5, Won 3*, Lost 2* (*Includes wins on penalties against Spain in 1996 and Switzerland in 2024, and penalty losses to Portugal in 2004 and Italy in 2012)
- Semi-finals: Played 4, Won 2, Lost 2* (*Includes penalty loss to Germany in 1996)
- Third place play-off: Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0
- Finals: Played 2, Won 0, Lost 2* (*Includes penalty loss to Italy in 2020 and loss to Spain in 2024)
Key Knockout Stage Statistics:
- Biggest Victory: 4-0 against Ukraine, 03/07/2021 (Quarter-finals)
- Heaviest Defeats:
- 2-1 against Iceland, 27/06/2016 (Round of 16)
- 2-1 against Spain, 14/07/2024 (Final)
- 1-0 against Yugoslavia, 05/06/1968 (Semi-finals)
- Highest Scoring Game: 4 goals, twice (most recently 4-0 vs Ukraine, 03/07/2021, Quarter-finals)
Extra Time and Penalty Shootout Drama:
England’s knockout stage journey is punctuated by numerous extra time periods and penalty shootouts. While they have experienced some shootout successes, the overall record highlights a struggle in these high-pressure situations.
- Extra Time Matches:
- Win vs Spain, 1996 Quarter-finals (0-0 / 0-0 / 4-2 pens)
- Loss vs Germany, 1996 Semi-finals (1-1 / 1-1 / 5-6 pens)
- Loss vs Portugal, 2004 Quarter-finals (1-1 / 2-2 / 5-6 pens)
- Loss vs Italy, 2012 Quarter-finals (0-0 / 0-0 / 2-4 pens)
- Win vs Denmark, 2020 Semi-finals (1-1 / 2-1)
- Loss vs Italy, 2020 Final (1-1 / 1-1 / 2-3 pens)
- Win vs Slovakia, 2024 Round of 16 (1-1 / 2-1)
- Win vs Switzerland, 2024 Quarter-finals (1-1 / 1-1 / 5-3p)
England’s Euro Cup Player Records: Standout Performers
Throughout their Euro Cup history, several England players have etched their names into the record books. Harry Kane stands out as both England’s top international goalscorer and the player with the most Euro Cup appearances.
Key Player Records:
- Most Appearances:
- 18: Harry Kane
- 16: Kyle Walker
- 14: Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice, John Stones
- 11: Gary Neville, Bukayo Saka, Kieran Trippier
- Most Goals:
- 7: Harry Kane, Alan Shearer
- 6: Wayne Rooney
- Most Tournaments with Goal: 3: Wayne Rooney (2004, 2012, 2016)
- Youngest Players to Make a EURO Final Tournament Appearance:
- 17 years, 349 days: Jude Bellingham (vs Croatia, EURO 2020)
- 18 years, 229 days: Marcus Rashford (vs Wales, EURO 2016)
- 18 years, 233 days: Wayne Rooney (vs France, EURO 2004)
- Youngest EURO Final Tournament Goalscorers:
- 18 years, 237 days: Wayne Rooney (vs Switzerland, EURO 2004)
- 20 years, 189 days: Michael Owen (vs Romania, EURO 2000)
- 20 years, 353 days: Jude Bellingham (vs Serbia, EURO 2024)
- Oldest Players to Make a EURO Final Tournament Appearance:
- 38 years, 271 days: Peter Shilton (vs Netherlands, EURO 1988)
- 36 years, 272 days: David Seaman (vs Germany, EURO 2000)
- 34 years, 63 days: Stuart Pearce (vs Germany, EURO ’96)
- Oldest EURO Final Tournament Goalscorers:
- 31 years, 260 days: Trevor Brooking (vs Spain, EURO 1980)
- 31 years, 156 days: Bryan Robson (vs Netherlands, EURO 1988)
- 31 years, 16 days: Jordan Henderson (vs Ukraine, EURO 2020)
- Fastest Goal Scored: 2 minutes: Luke Shaw (vs Italy, EURO 2020 final)
Coaches at the Helm: Guiding England’s Euro Cup Dreams
Gareth Southgate is a notable figure in England’s Euro Cup coaching history, being only the second coach to lead the team in two EURO tournaments, following Roy Hodgson.
Coaching Records:
- Most Final Tournaments: 2: Roy Hodgson (2012, 2016), Gareth Southgate (2020, 2024)
- Most Matches: 14: Gareth Southgate (2020, 2024)
- Most Wins: 8: Gareth Southgate (2020, 2024)
- Youngest Coach: 47 years, 270 days: Graham Taylor (vs Denmark, EURO ’92)
- Oldest Coach: 68 years, 323 days: Roy Hodgson (vs Iceland, EURO 2016)
Penalty Records: A Mixed Bag
England’s penalty record in the Euro Cup showcases a balance between penalties awarded and conceded, with a slightly better conversion rate for penalties awarded to them. However, penalty shootouts remain a significant point of contention in their tournament history.
Penalty Statistics:
- Penalties Awarded: 6
- Scored: 4
- Saved: 2
- Penalties Conceded: 6
- Scored: 5
- Saved: 1
Penalty Shoot-out History:
- Win 4-2 vs Spain, Quarter-finals (1996)
- Loss 5-6 vs Germany, Semi-finals (1996)
- Loss 5-6 vs Portugal, Quarter-finals (2004)
- Loss 2-4 vs Italy, Quarter-finals (2012)
- Loss 2-3 vs Italy, Final (2021)
- Win 5-3 vs Switzerland, Quarter-finals (2024)
Watch full England v Spain EURO ’96 penalty shoot-out
England’s Complete Euro Cup Fixture History
1968
- 05/06/1968: Yugoslavia 1-0 England (Semi-finals, Florence)
- 08/06/1968: England 2-0 Soviet Union (Third place play-off, Rome)
1980
- 12/06/1980: Belgium 1-1 England (Group stage, Turin)
- 15/06/1980: England 0-1 Italy (Group stage, Turin)
- 18/06/1980: Spain 1-2 England (Group stage, Naples)
1988
- 12/06/1988: England 0-1 Republic of Ireland (Group stage, Stuttgart)
- 15/06/1988: England 1-3 Netherlands (Group stage, Düsseldorf)
- 18/06/1988: England 1-3 Soviet Union (Group stage, Frankfurt Am Main)
1992
- 11/06/1992: Denmark 0-0 England (Group stage, Malmö)
- 14/06/1992: France 0-0 England (Group stage, Malmö)
- 17/06/1992: Sweden 2-1 England (Group stage, Solna)
1996
- 08/06/1996: England 1-1 Switzerland (Group stage, London)
- 15/06/1996: Scotland 0-2 England (Group stage, London)
- 18/06/1996: Netherlands 1-4 England (Group stage, London)
- 22/06/1996: England 0-0 Spain aet, 4-2 pens (Quarter-finals, London)
- 26/06/1996: Germany 1-1 England aet, 6-5 pens (Semi-finals, London)
2000
- 12/06/2000: Portugal 3-2 England (Group stage, Eindhoven)
- 17/06/2000: England 1-0 Germany (Group stage, Charleroi)
- 20/06/2000: England 2-3 Romania (Group stage, Charleroi)
2004
- 13/06/2004: France 2-1 England (Group stage, Lisbon)
- 17/06/2004: England 3-0 Switzerland (Group stage, Coimbra)
- 21/06/2004: Croatia 2-4 England (Group stage, Lisbon)
- 24/06/2004: Portugal 2-2 England aet, 6-5 pens (Quarter-finals, Lisbon)
2012
- 11/06/2012: France 1-1 England (Group stage, Donetsk)
- 15/06/2012: Sweden 2-3 England (Group stage, Kyiv)
- 19/06/2012: England 1-0 Ukraine (Group stage, Donetsk)
- 24/06/2012: England 0-0 Italy aet, 2-4 pens (Quarter-finals, Kyiv)
2016
- 11/06/2016: England 1-1 Russia (Group stage, Marseille)
- 16/06/2016: England 2-1 Wales (Group stage, Lens Agglo)
- 20/06/2016: Slovakia 0-0 England (Group stage, Saint-Étienne)
- 27/06/2016: England 1-2 Iceland (Round of 16, Nice)
2020
- 13/06/2021: England 1-0 Croatia (Group stage, London)
- 18/06/2021: England 0-0 Scotland (Group stage, London)
- 22/06/2021: Czech Republic 0-1 England (Group stage, London)
- 29/06/2021: England 2-0 Germany (Round of 16, London)
- 03/07/2021: Ukraine 0-4 England (Quarter-finals, Rome)
- 07/07/2021: England 2-1 Denmark aet (Semi-finals, London)
- 11/07/2021: Italy 1-1 England aet, 3-2 pens (Final, London)
All England’s EURO 2020 goals
2024
- 16/06/2024: Serbia 0-1 England (Group stage, Gelsenkirchen)
- 20/06/2024: Denmark 1-1 England (Group stage, Frankfurt)
- 25/06/2024: England 0-0 Slovenia (Group stage, Cologne)
- 30/06/2024: England 2-1 Slovakia aet (Round of 16, Gelsenkirchen)
- 06/07/2024: England 1-1 Switzerland aet, 5-3 pens (Quarter-finals, Düsseldorf)
- 10/07/2024: Netherlands 1-2 England (Semi-finals, Dortmund)
- 14/07/2024: Spain 2-1 England (Final, Berlin)
All England’s EURO 2024 goals
Last updated: July 14, 2024
