THE CRUNCH: England’s final group games in the Euros often make grim viewing for fans, so can Roy’s men reach the quarter-finals for only the third time?

 
19 June 2012

The European Championships began life in 1960 with only four teams in the finals and remained that way until 1980 when it became an eight-team tournament. Then at Euro 96, in England, it was enlarged to a 16-team format. Since 1980, England failed to qualify twice — in 1984 and four years ago — and tonight, having been in the job for only 50 days, new manager Roy Hodgson can steer the nation into the knock-out stages for only the third time.

Italy: 1980

England 2 Spain 1

Given that England clocked up seven wins from eight qualifiers, Ron Greenwood’s side went to Italy on a high. But this was a dead rubber with neither team able to make the latter stages. Tony Woodcock and Trevor Brooking were on target.

West Germany: 1998

England 1 USSR 3

Again, England were already out before their final group game. Glenn Hoddle, winning his last cap, was easily dispossessed as USSR took an early lead. Tony Adams equalised but two more USSR goals meant England went home pointless.

Sweden: 1992

England 1 Sweden 2

David Platt’s early goal gave England hope they would get the win needed to reach the semis. But, after Gary Lineker’s controversial substitution in his last international, Tomas Brolin dashed those dreams with a wonderful winner.

England: 1996

England 4 Holland 1

A night England fans will never forget. Needing only a draw to go through, Terry Venables’s men gave the originators of Total Football a lesson in the beautiful game. The third goal was the pick with Alan Shearer rounding off a sweeping move.

Belgium & Holland: 2000

England 2 Romania 3

After their first competitive win over Germany since the 1966 World Cup Final, England needed only a point to progress. They had it until a clumsy foul by Phil Neville in the 89th minute handed Romania a match-winning penalty.

Portugal: 2004

England 4 Croatia 2

Defeat would have sent England home and they fell behind in the fifth minute. However, 18‑year‑old Wayne Rooney inspired the comeback. Since his two goals that day, Rooney has not scored in the finals of a tournament.

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