Euro 2024: England’s history in tournament finals – How many times have the Three Lions participated in finals?

England’s journey to the Euro 2024 final has been nothing short of remarkable. After a lackluster start to the tournament, Gareth Southgate’s men have found their stride and are now just one step away from their first international trophy since 1966.

Their semi-final clash against the Netherlands showcased a superb performance from the Three Lions. The team displayed a level of play that was both exciting and effective, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe.

This Sunday’s final will mark England’s second consecutive European final, a testament to their consistency and determination. However, it is worth noting that England’s history in tournament finals is not as extensive as one might expect.

In fact, England have only reached two tournament finals in their entire history. The most recent was the Euro 2020 final against Italy, a match that ended in heartbreak as the Azzurri emerged victorious in a penalty shootout.

The last time England tasted success in a major final was in 1966, when they famously won the World Cup on home soil. It has been a long wait for another shot at glory, but the current squad is determined to make their mark.

While England’s record in finals may be limited, they have had their fair share of success in reaching the semi-finals. In addition to their recent Euro 2020 semi-final appearance, England also reached the semi-finals at Euro 1996, where they suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Germany.

On the international stage, England have also reached the World Cup semi-finals twice since their historic triumph in 1966. The first came in 1990, when they were defeated by West Germany in a penalty shootout. The second was in 2018, under the guidance of Gareth Southgate, where they fell to Croatia after extra time.

In contrast, the England women’s team has experienced a bit more success in reaching finals. They have reached two finals, most notably winning Euro 2022 by defeating Germany at Wembley. However, they were unable to replicate that success in the 2023 World Cup final, losing to Spain in a match that was overshadowed by controversy.

Despite their past disappointments, England’s men and women are determined to make their mark in the Euro 2024 final. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two talented teams, and fans can expect a fantastic show of football. Spain’s Vivian has expressed caution, acknowledging England’s ability to inflict damage. The stage is set for an epic battle, and England will be hoping to rewrite their history and bring home the trophy.