Five Most Intense England Moments at the Euros

The Euros, has been a stage for dramatic footballing moments and memorable performances. For England, it's probably very, very fair to say the tournament has seen its fair share of highs and lows. Following our win over Serbia at the weekend, here are five of the most intense moments for England at the Euros, each etched into the memories of fans and players alike - you know, just to get you in the mood for more heart-stopping moments this tournament...

1. Penalty Heartbreak Against Germany (Euro 1996):

One of the most unforgettable moments in England’s Euro history occurred in the semi-finals of Euro 1996, hosted on home soil. After a tense 1-1 draw against Germany, the match went to a penalty shootout. England’s hopes rested on Gareth Southgate’s shoulders, but his miss led to Germany’s victory, continuing England’s woeful penalty shootout record. The sight of a devastated Southgate epitomized the agony of yet another near miss for England in a major tournament.

2. Shearer and Gascoigne's Heroics (Euro 1996):

Earlier in Euro 1996, England produced a performance for the ages in a group stage match against the Netherlands. Alan Shearer and Paul Gascoigne were instrumental in a 4-1 demolition of a highly-rated Dutch team. Shearer scored twice, with Gascoigne's skilful dribbling and precise passing tearing apart the Dutch defence. The victory not only showcased England's attacking prowess but also lifted the spirits of a nation dreaming of glory.

3. Wayne Rooney’s Breakout Performance (Euro 2004):

At Euro 2004, a young Wayne Rooney burst onto the international stage with a series of electrifying performances. In the group stage match against Croatia, Rooney scored twice and assisted another in a 4-2 victory, becoming the youngest scorer in European Championship history at that time. His fearless play and goal-scoring ability electrified the tournament and gave England fans hope for the future. Unfortunately, his injury in the quarter-final against Portugal curtailed England’s progress and highlighted their dependence on the prodigious talent.

4. Beckham’s Redemption (Euro 2000):

David Beckham experienced both heartbreak and redemption in the span of two years. After being sent off in the 1998 World Cup, Beckham faced intense criticism. By Euro 2000, he had a chance to redeem himself. In a crucial group stage match against Germany, Beckham's precision cross found Alan Shearer, who headed home the winning goal. The 1-0 victory was England’s first over Germany in a competitive match since the 1966 World Cup final, providing a measure of redemption for Beckham and a moment of national pride.

5. Final Agony at Wembley (Euro 2020):

Euro 2020, held in 2021 due to the pandemic, saw England reach their first major final since 1966. Playing at Wembley, England faced Italy in a match filled with anticipation and hope. Luke Shaw’s early goal gave England the lead, but Italy equalized, pushing the game into extra time and eventually penalties. In the shootout, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka missed their kicks, leading to a heart-breaking defeat. The image of Saka in tears, consoled by his teammates, symbolized the pain of coming so close yet falling short once again.