Euro 2024: A look back at England’s recent major tournaments

This summer’s European Championships in Germany could be Gareth Southgate’s final tournament in charge of the Three Lions. 

The former Middlesbrough boss took charge of the national side in November 2016 and has since enjoyed an impressive tenure, albeit without any silverware so far.

Southgate’s contract with England is set to expire in December and this summer’s Euros – which starts with Germany v Scotland on Friday – could be his last in charge.

Despite not winning a trophy so far, Southgate has undoubtedly improved the Three Lions.

Here, we take a look back at England’s recent major tournament record.

World Cup 2022 (Qatar) – Quarter-finals

England went into the mid-season World Cup in the Middle East with high expectations, and cruised through the group stages with victories over Iran and Wales either side of a goalless draw against USA.

England were held to a 0-0 draw by USA in Qatar

Southgate’s side faced African Cup of Nations champions Senegal in the last 16, where goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka earned them their place in the last eight.

In the semis, France went ahead before Harry Kane converted a second-half penalty to draw the Three Lions level. Olivier Giroud then restored Les Bleus’ advantage, before captain Kane missed a late penalty and England were eliminated.

Euro 2020 – Runners-up

At the last Euros, England benefitted from playing several of their games at Wembley during a tournament that was hosted all across Europe.

In the group stage, wins over Croatia and Czech Republic, along with a draw against Scotland, earned their place in the last 16.

England beat rivals Germany 2-0 at Euro 2020

Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane were both on target in the last 16 as England recorded a memorable win over old rivals Germany, and Southgate’s side cruised past Ukraine in the quarter-finals with a 4-0 win, before needing extra-time to defeat Denmark in the semis and reach the final.

Luke Shaw game England the dream start in the final at Wembley, before Leonardo Bonucci drew Italy level. The game then went to penalties, and three missed spot-kicks prevented England from becoming European champions for the first time ever.

World Cup 2018 (Russia) – Semi-finals

The first tournament of Southgate’s tenure started with a narrow win over Tunisia, before a 6-1 win over Panama. Defeat against Belgium in the final group game followed, but didn’t stop England from progressing into the knockout stages.

In the last 16, the Three Lions defeated Colombia on penalties to mark the nation’s first ever shootout victory at a major tournament.

Kieran Trippier’s free-kick put England ahead against Croatia in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup

That win set up a quarter-final against Sweden, which England duly won 2-0 to reach the last four.

Kieran Trippier’s stunning free-kick put Southgate’s side ahead against Croatia in the semi, before Ivan Perisic sent the game to extra-time.

Mario Mandzukic then grabbed the winner in extra-time, ending England’s hopes.

Euro 2016 (France) – Last 16

The tournament that signalled the end of the Roy Hodgson era for England began with a 1-1 draw against Russia, before a dramatic late 2-1 win over Wales courtesy of Daniel Sturridge’s goal.

A drab goalless draw against Slovakia then followed, seeing the Three Lions through the group and setting up a last 16 tie with relative minnows Iceland.

England suffered a shock defeat against Iceland at Euro 2016

England went ahead through Wayne Rooney, but two quick goals from Iceland turned the match on its head and Hodgson’s side were unable to find an equaliser.

Hodgson left the role shortly after the tournament and, following Sam Allardyce’s one-match stint in charge, Southgate was appointed.

World Cup 2014 (Brazil) – Group stage 

Arguably England’s worst tournament in recent memory, Hodgson’s side failed to win a single game in Brazil before exiting at the group stage.

England failed to win a single match at the 2014 World Cup

After a 2-1 defeat against Italy in their opening match, the Three Lions were then beaten by Uruguay and finished the tournament with a goalless draw against Costa Rica.

Following the tournament, both Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard retired from international duty.