The UEFA European Championship is one of the major competitive international football tournaments, first played in 1960. The finals stage of the tournament takes place every four years, with a qualifying competition beforehand.[1] The sixteenth tournament was held across Europe in 2021 (postponed from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
The England national football team first attempted to qualify for the finals of the tournament in 1964, having declined to enter in 1960. They first qualified in 1968, and have since participated in the finals on eleven occasions, including in 1996, when they were the host nation and thus did not need to qualify.[2][3][4]
England's best performances at the finals were a runner-up finish at Euro 2020, when they lost the final to Italy on penalties at Wembley,[5][6] and at Euro 2024, when they lost the final 2–1 to Spain in Berlin, being the first team to lose consecutive European Championship finals.[7][8] They had a third-place finish in Italy in 1968, when only four teams competed in the finals tournament, and reached one further semi-final in 1996, losing to Germany, also on home soil and on penalties.[9] The team reached the quarter-finals on two other occasions, losing to host nation Portugal on penalties in 2004 and to Italy in Ukraine in 2012, also on penalties.[10][11][12]
England were eliminated in the round of 16 by Iceland in 2016. On the other four occasions (1980, 1988, 1992 and 2000), they did not progress beyond the group stage.
Year
|
Round
|
Opponent
|
Score
|
England scorer(s)
|
1968 |
Semi-finals |
Yugoslavia |
0–1 |
—
|
Third place play-off |
Soviet Union |
2–0 |
B. Charlton, Hurst
|
1980 |
Group 2 |
Belgium |
1–1 |
Wilkins
|
Italy |
0–1 |
—
|
Spain |
2–1 |
Brooking, Woodcock
|
1988 |
Group 2 |
Republic of Ireland |
0–1 |
—
|
Netherlands |
1–3 |
Robson
|
Soviet Union |
1–3 |
Adams
|
1992 |
Group 1 |
Denmark |
0–0 |
—
|
France |
0–0 |
—
|
Sweden |
1–2 |
Platt
|
1996 |
Group A |
Switzerland |
1–1 |
Shearer
|
Scotland |
2–0 |
Shearer, Gascoigne
|
Netherlands |
4–1 |
Shearer (2), Sheringham (2)
|
Quarter-finals |
Spain |
0–0 (a.e.t.) (4–2 p) |
—
|
Semi-finals |
Germany |
1–1 (a.e.t.) (5–6 p) |
Shearer
|
2000 |
Group A |
Portugal |
2–3 |
Scholes, McManaman
|
Germany |
1–0 |
Shearer
|
Romania |
2–3 |
Shearer, Owen
|
2004 |
Group B |
France |
1–2 |
Lampard
|
Switzerland |
3–0 |
Rooney (2), Gerrard
|
Croatia |
4–2 |
Scholes, Rooney (2), Lampard
|
Quarter-finals |
Portugal |
2–2 (a.e.t.) (5–6 p) |
Owen, Lampard
|
2012 |
Group D |
France |
1–1 |
Lescott
|
Sweden |
3–2 |
Carroll, Walcott, Welbeck
|
Ukraine |
1–0 |
Rooney
|
Quarter-finals |
Italy |
0–0 (a.e.t.) (2–4 p) |
—
|
2016 |
Group B |
Russia |
1–1 |
Dier
|
Wales |
2–1 |
Vardy, Sturridge
|
Slovakia |
0–0 |
—
|
Round of 16 |
Iceland |
1–2 |
Rooney
|
2020 |
Group D |
Croatia |
1–0 |
Sterling
|
Scotland |
0–0 |
—
|
Czech Republic |
1–0 |
Sterling
|
Round of 16 |
Germany |
2–0 |
Sterling, Kane
|
Quarter-finals |
Ukraine |
4–0 |
Kane (2), Maguire, J. Henderson
|
Semi-finals |
Denmark |
2–1 (a.e.t.) |
Kjær (o.g.), Kane
|
Final |
Italy |
1–1 (a.e.t.) (2–3 p) |
Shaw
|
2024 |
Group C |
Serbia |
1–0 |
Bellingham
|
Denmark |
1–1 |
Kane
|
Slovenia |
0–0 |
—
|
Round of 16 |
Slovakia |
2–1 (a.e.t.) |
Bellingham, Kane
|
Quarter-finals |
Switzerland |
1–1 (a.e.t.) (5–3 p) |
Saka
|
Semi-finals |
Netherlands |
2–1 |
Kane, Watkins
|
Final |
Spain |
1–2 |
Palmer
|
UEFA Euro 1968: Italy
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- Group stage
- Quarter-finals
- Semi-finals
- Third place play-off
UEFA Euro 1980: Italy
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- Group stage
UEFA Euro 1988: West Germany
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- Group stage
UEFA Euro 1992: Sweden
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- Group stage
UEFA Euro 1996: England
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- ^ a b Tied on head-to-head result (Netherlands 0–0 Scotland) and overall goal difference (−1). Overall goals for was used as the tiebreaker.
Matches
- Quarter-finals
- Semi-finals
UEFA Euro 2000: Belgium–Netherlands
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- Group stage
- ^ a b Head-to-head points: England 4, Poland 1.
UEFA Euro 2004: Portugal
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- Group stage
- Quarter-finals
UEFA Euro 2012: Poland–Ukraine
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- Group stage
- ^ a b Head-to-head result: Ukraine 2–1 Sweden.
- Quarter-finals
UEFA Euro 2016: France
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- Group stage
- ^ a b Tied on head-to-head results. Overall goal difference was used as the tiebreaker.
- Round of 16
UEFA Euro 2020: Europe
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- Group stage
- ^ a b Tied on head-to-head result (Croatia 1–1 Czech Republic) and overall goal difference (+1). Overall goals for was used as the tiebreaker.
- Round of 16
- Quarter-finals
- Semi-finals
- Final
UEFA Euro 2024: Germany
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As the competition ran during the 2024 general election, the Football Association contacted players to remind them about arranging proxy votes or postal votes.[40][41]
- Group stage
- ^ a b Head-to-head points: Italy 4, Ukraine 1.
Source: UEFA
Notes:
- ^ a b Tied on head-to-head result (Slovenia 1–1 Denmark), overall goal difference and overall goals scored. Disciplinary points: Denmark −6, Slovenia −7.[42][43]
- Round of 16
- Quarter-finals
- Semi-finals
- Final
Rank
|
Player
|
Matches
|
Years
|
1 |
Harry Kane |
18 |
2016, 2020, 2024
|
2 |
Kyle Walker |
16 |
2016, 2020, 2024
|
3 |
Jordan Pickford |
14 |
2020, 2024
|
Declan Rice |
2020, 2024
|
John Stones |
2020, 2024
|
6 |
Gary Neville |
11 |
1996, 2000, 2004
|
Bukayo Saka |
2020, 2024
|
Kieran Trippier |
2020, 2024
|
9 |
Jude Bellingham |
10 |
2020, 2024
|
Phil Foden |
2020, 2024
|
Wayne Rooney |
2004, 2012, 2016
|
Raheem Sterling |
2016, 2020
|
European Championship
|
Goalscorer(s)
|
1968
|
Bobby Charlton, Geoff Hurst
|
1980
|
Trevor Brooking, Ray Wilkins, Tony Woodcock
|
1988
|
Tony Adams, Bryan Robson
|
1992
|
David Platt
|
1996
|
Alan Shearer (5), Teddy Sheringham (2), Paul Gascoigne
|
2000
|
Alan Shearer (2), Steve McManaman, Michael Owen, Paul Scholes
|
2004
|
Wayne Rooney (4), Frank Lampard (3), Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Paul Scholes
|
2012
|
Andy Carroll, Joleon Lescott, Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck
|
2016
|
Eric Dier, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy
|
2020
|
Harry Kane (4), Raheem Sterling (3), Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, own goal
|
2024
|
Harry Kane (3), Jude Bellingham (2), Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer
|
- ^ The match, originally scheduled for 21:45 local time, was delayed 15 minutes to prevent overlap with the other Group D match between Ukraine and France, which had been delayed due to rain.[25]
- ^ Pye, Steven (9 October 2020). "When England fans ruined their match against Belgium 40 years ago" – via The Guardian.
- ^ "When Saturday Comes - Classic matches ~ England v USSR, Euro 68 & 88". Wsc.co.uk. 9 July 2012. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
- ^ "Euro 1968: Alan Mullery's moment of madness". BBC Sport. 12 May 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
- ^ Surlis f, Patrick (1 June 2016). "Remembering Euro 96: Jamie Redknapp, Darren Anderton, Stuart Pearce and Steve Howey | Football News". Sky Sports. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- ^ "Italy 1–1 England, aet (3–2 on pens): Donnarumma the hero as Azzurri win EURO 2020!". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 11 July 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ "Euro 2020 final: England beaten by Italy on penalties". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 11 July 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ "Spain 2-1 England: Late Oyarzabal winner earns La Roja record fourth EURO crown". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 14 July 2024. Retrieved 14 July 2024.
- ^ "Heartbreak for England as Spain score late goal to win Euro 2024". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 14 July 2024. Retrieved 14 July 2024.
- ^ Mark Ogden (6 June 2016). "Euro 2016: Don't let Euro 96 fool you, England are generally terrible at the European Championships | International | Sport". The Independent. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- ^ "BBC SPORT | Football | Euro 2004 | Portugal break England hearts". BBC News. 24 June 2004. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
- ^ "England 0-0 Italy (2-4 on pens)". BBC Sport. 24 June 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
- ^ "Euro 2012 analysis: Peerless Pirlo exposes England". BBC Sport. 25 June 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
- ^ England were defeated by France in a two-legged elimination round. Ramsey took over from Winterbottom between the two legs.
- ^ Although England did not qualify for the finals, they reached the last eight of the competition. Only the last four teams progressed to the finals.
- ^ Hoddle managed the first three qualifiers, while Keegan managed the remainder of qualification and the finals campaign.
- ^ Capello managed the qualification campaign. He resigned before the tournament and was replaced by Hodgson.
- ^ The tournament was held in 2021 in 11 cities in 11 countries. England's Wembley Stadium hosted all but one of England's matches.
- ^ "Why does Euro 2016 have no third place playoff? Why Wales will come home before final". Archived from the original on 14 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
- ^ "History: Denmark 0-0 England | UEFA EURO 1992".
- ^ "History: France 0-0 England | UEFA EURO 1992".
- ^ "History: Sweden 2-1 England | UEFA EURO 1992".
- ^ Moore, Glenn (24 June 1996). "Fortune favours brave England". The Independent. Independent Print. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
- ^ Moore, Glenn (27 June 1996). "Shoot-out breaks England hearts". The Independent. Independent Print. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
- ^ "Full-time report France-England" (PDF). Union of European Football Associations. 11 June 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
- ^ Dawkes, Phil (15 June 2012). "Euro 2012: Sweden v England". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation.
- ^ "Full-time report Sweden-England" (PDF). Union of European Football Associations. 15 June 2012. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
- ^ "Full-time report England-Ukraine" (PDF). Union of European Football Associations. 19 June 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2012.
- ^ "Full-time report England-Italy" (PDF). Union of European Football Associations. 24 June 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2012.
- ^ "Full Time Summary – England v Russia" (PDF). UEFA.org. Union of European Football Associations. 11 June 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
- ^ "Full Time Summary – England v Wales" (PDF). UEFA.org. Union of European Football Associations. 16 June 2016. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
- ^ "Full Time Summary – Slovakia v England" (PDF). UEFA.org. Union of European Football Associations. 20 June 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
- ^ "Full Time Summary – England v Iceland" (PDF). UEFA.org. Union of European Football Associations. 27 June 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
- ^ "Full Time Summary – England v Croatia" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 13 June 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
- ^ "Full Time Summary – England v Scotland" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 18 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
- ^ "Full Time Summary – Czech Republic v England" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
- ^ "Full Time Summary – England v Germany" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 29 June 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
- ^ "Full Time Summary – Ukraine v England" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 3 July 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
- ^ "Full Time Summary – England v Denmark" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 7 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
- ^ "Full Time Summary – Italy v England" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 11 July 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 July 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ Ben Rumsby (23 May 2024). "England to assist squad in postal voting for general election at Euro 2024". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ Jacob Steinberg (27 June 2024). "England may ditch rides on 'turbo' bikes after Anthony Gordon's accident". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ "Who made it through from the EURO 2024 groups". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
Denmark are through to the round of 16 as group runners-up (finishing ahead of Slovenia on disciplinary points).
- ^ "European Championship 2024: Booking List before Round of 16" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 28 June 2024. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ "Full Time Report – Serbia v England" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ "Full Time Report – Denmark v England" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 20 June 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
- ^ "Full Time Report – England v Slovenia" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 25 June 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^ "Full Time Report – England v Slovakia" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 30 June 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ "Full Time Report – England v Switzerland" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 6 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ "Full Time Report – Netherlands v England" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 10 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Full Time Report – Spain v England" (PDF). UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 14 July 2024. Retrieved 14 July 2024.