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England’s 55 years of hurt end as an emotional Wembley shakes to its core


It’s been 55 years since England’s men made the final of a major tournament, the longest gap between final appearances of any European team in history.

When progress to the final of Euro 2020 was confirmed after 120 pulsating minutes of nerve-shredding semi-final football, Wembley Stadium shook to its core.

All 64,950 supporters unleashed the frustration that had built up over half a century of tortuous experiences at major tournaments since winning the World Cup in 1966.

England’s recent major tournament knockout history has been pained, to put it mildly.

Whether it is being humbled by Iceland in Nice at Euro 2016, or knocked out on penalties by Portugal and a winking Cristiano Ronaldo at consecutive tournaments in both Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup.

Then you have David Beckham’s red card against Argentina at France 98, the ignominy of being beaten repeatedly by arch rivals Germany at five major tournaments since 1966, including the heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat at Euro 96.

Stacks on in celebration of Harry Kane’s winner.(

Getty Images: Laurence Griffiths

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There has been a litany of failures and crushed expectations for England fans to endure.

Watching England’s jubilant players dancing and hugging in a melee of activity in front of those same long-suffering supporters was almost a cathartic experience for the entire nation.

“The young ones think it’s always like this,” Gareth Southgate told ITV after the match.

“I’ve just had to tell [Bukayo] Saka and [Jude] Bellingham it doesn’t really work like this.”

Southgate would know. He’s already spoken emotionally about the weight he still carries after missing that penalty against Germany on the Wembley pitch at Euro 96.

While that open sore has been somewhat salved in the cooling balm of victory in the last 16, England still had demons to conquer and hoodoos to banish.

With the goalkeeper on the ground and a Danish defender sliding in, Raheem Sterling stares at the bouncing ball
Raheem Sterling was involved in England’s equaliser, forcing Denmark’s Simon Kjær into an own goal.(

Getty Images: Laurence Griffiths

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That they did speaks to the character of the side who, in stark contrast to the so-called golden generation that preceded it, remain accessible and relatable in a way that no England team has since the World Cup winners of the 60s.

“My emotions are all over the place.” West Ham midfielder Declan Rice told the BBC after the game.

“A first final since ’66. I so want to do it for the people at home. Seeing the reactions … I’m a fan as well. I wish I was with them cheering.”

He may as well have been. The emotion that was seen pouring out of recently re-opened bars, socially distanced fan zones and in living rooms across the country was reflected by the “mayhem” among the players on the pitch at full time. 

“The most pleasing thing is we’ve given the fans and nation a fantastic night and the journey carries on for another four days,” Southgate said.

“The atmosphere, I don’t think I’ve heard the new Wembley like that. It’s only topped the Germany game really.

“We know what our country, like others, has been through [with the coronavirus pandemic] and to continue that happiness and journey for another four days, we’re so happy.

“When you’ve waited as long as we have to get through a semifinal, the players … have done an incredible job.

“We suffered in Moscow on a night like this and we’ve managed to put that right.”

Jack Grealish's hair is flying as he tries to clear a ball in the corner. Thomas Delaney moves in to tackle
England has forged a hard-working and likeable team, that is now on the brink of glory.(

Getty Images: Alex Morton

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That was arguably where this team’s journey began, in Moscow three years ago, when England came so close to bringing football home only to come unstuck against an inspired, peaking Croatia team in the World Cup semifinal.

Football didn’t come home then, but it would be hard to argue that it hasn’t now.

A home final in a major tournament awaits, England’s first since Geoff Hurst scored a hat trick and Bobby Moore gratefully accepted the Jules Rimet trophy from Queen Elizabeth, having somewhat unabashedly wiped his grubby hand on his shorts beforehand.

England’s current crop has a golden opportunity to etch their names into the nation’s sporting history.

Standing in their way is Italy.

“Finals are there to be won,” Southgate said,

“We’ll regroup and prepare properly. We need to recover tonight, it’s taken a lot physically and mentally.

“We’ve got to enjoy the fact we’re in the final but there’s one more massive hurdle to conquer.

“Italy are a very good side. I’ve thought that for the last couple of years. They are in outstanding form and have defensive warriors who have been through everything. It’s a great game to look forward to.”



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