Ranking England’s 22 Knockout Matches Since 1998 from Worst to Best

Since 1998, England’s journey in major football tournaments has included a mix of disappointing early exits and moments of triumph, spanning European Championship finals and World Cup knockouts.

While the nation has often faced heartbreak in these competitions, recent years have also brought some encouraging outcomes. Below is a comprehensive ranking of England’s knockout matches from 1998 onward, ordered from the least to the most successful.

22. England 1-2 Iceland (Euro 2016)

This match is best left unmentioned due to its disappointing nature.

21. England 1-4 Germany (World Cup 2010)

The outcome might have differed if Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal had counted, but Germany dominated England in South Africa. Goals from Thomas Muller and Lukas Podolski remain haunting memories for David James, reflecting England’s overall poor tournament performance that ended quietly.

20. England 0-0 Italy (Euro 2012)

Euro 2012 marked Roy Hodgson’s first major tournament as England’s manager, culminating in a penalty shootout loss. The performance was underwhelming, highlighted by Andrea Pirlo’s panenka penalty that embarrassed goalkeeper Joe Hart.

19. England 0-0 Portugal (World Cup 2006)

This match is infamous for Cristiano Ronaldo’s wink. England’s penalty shootout woes continued as they missed three out of four attempts.

18. England 1-2 Spain (Euro 2024)

Some viewed England’s loss in the Euro 2024 final as unlucky, but others acknowledged Spain’s superiority. England’s technical struggles under pressure reemerged, resulting in defeat in Berlin.

17. England 1-2 Croatia (World Cup 2018)

Kieran Trippier’s early goal in the World Cup semi-final sparked national excitement. Despite a relatively favorable run, England faced a tough opponent in Croatia, who completed a comeback with goals from Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic. The match is remembered as a missed chance.

16. England 1-2 Brazil (World Cup 2002)

The match is often recalled with regret over David Seaman’s decision to leave his line.

15. England 2-1 Slovakia (Euro 2024)

Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick was a crucial moment that prevented England from embarrassment after a poor last-16 showing. Slovakia had posed a significant challenge until Bellingham’s late goal, followed by Harry Kane’s extra-time winner. The team collectively agreed to forget the overall performance.

14. England 1-1 Switzerland (Euro 2024)

After criticism during the group stages, Gary Lineker and BBC commentators praised this game. However, England struggled for 120 minutes before Bukayo Saka’s equalizer and a successful penalty shootout. This match has largely been forgotten.

13. England 1-0 Ecuador (World Cup 2006)

Played in difficult conditions, this match was decided by a David Beckham free-kick. It was notable for Michael Carrick’s sole appearance in an anchoring role during a major tournament.

12. England 1-1 Italy (Euro 2020)

England appeared destined for a trophy in 2020, especially with the final held at Wembley. Luke Shaw’s early goal sparked hope, but the remainder of the match is deliberately forgotten as it ended in disappointment.

11. England 1-2 France (World Cup 2022)

England performed well against France but lost narrowly. Key moments included Harry Maguire losing track of Olivier Giroud’s winning goal and Harry Kane missing a penalty. A semi-final against Morocco was considered winnable, though facing Argentina and Lionel Messi would have been challenging.

10. England 2-2 Portugal (Euro 2004)

With a semi-final spot at stake, this intense match featured tough tackles and disallowed goals. Wayne Rooney’s injury hampered England’s chances, and the team ultimately suffered penalty shootout defeat under Sven-Goran Eriksson’s management.

9. England 2-1 Netherlands (Euro 2024)

England’s best performance in 2024 came in this closely contested semi-final. Ollie Watkins scored a late winner, celebrated with genuine joy rather than a staged reaction.

8. England 2-2 Argentina (World Cup 1998)

Michael Owen’s remarkable goal, a run from the halfway line, was a tournament highlight. The match itself was exciting but ended in penalty shootout heartbreak.

7. England 2-0 Sweden (World Cup 2018)

This quarter-final win sparked national optimism. Goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli led to celebrations across England, with fans even singing Atomic Kitten songs from bus shelters.

6. England 4-0 Ukraine (Euro 2020)

England convincingly defeated a fatigued Ukraine in the quarter-finals. Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, and Harry Maguire scored in Rome, marking quarter-finals as a stage England was growing accustomed to surpassing.

5. England 3-0 Denmark (World Cup 2002)

After advancing from a challenging group, England’s 3-0 win over Denmark inspired national belief. However, Brazil halted their progress. The team featured players like Danny Mills, Trevor Sinclair, and Emile Heskey.

4. England 3-0 Senegal (World Cup 2022)

England’s dominant victory over African champions Senegal was a clear statement. Despite early nerves, England displayed quality, with Jude Bellingham controlling the midfield.

3. England 2-1 Denmark (Euro 2020)

England won this semi-final amid controversy. Raheem Sterling fell in the penalty area during extra time, leading to a penalty. Harry Kane missed the first attempt but scored the rebound, sending England to their first major final in 51 years.

2. England 1-1 Colombia (World Cup 2018)

England experienced the rare joy of winning a penalty shootout. After Colombia’s Yerry Mina scored a 94th-minute equalizer, the match went to extra time and penalties. Eric Dier scored the winning spot-kick, prompting justified celebrations.

1. England 2-0 Germany (Euro 2020)

This match stands as England’s best knockout result since 1998, considering the context, opposition, and stakes. England avenged past tournament defeats to Germany with goals from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane at Wembley, providing a significant post-COVID morale boost.