The quarter-final hurdle: Three times England have fallen in the last eight at a World Cup

Wales may be out, but as England prepare for their quarter-final against France, excitement is starting to build among England fans that this could be the year where the Three Lions finally lay claim to their first World Cup since 1966.

Gareth Southgate’s side have proven their mettle by reaching the last eight of the competition, but they’ll want to go further and make up for their semi-final exit in Russia four years ago.

However, it is in the quarter-finals of the World Cup where England have endured some of their most painful defeats. As football fans analyse the England v France betting, let’s take a look at three times England’s World Cup challenge ended at the quarter-final stage.

2006: England 0-0 Portugal

The England squad for the 2006 World Cup is arguably their strongest ever on paper. Players like John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney — the list could go on — were all at the peak of their powers at the time. Much was expected of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side in Germany, but after an underwhelming campaign in Germany, England would come unstuck in the last eight against a wily Portugal side.

The match itself was little to write home about. There were few clear-cut chances, and England failed to produce the form expected of them — a theme throughout that particular World Cup.

However, a moment in extra time made all the headlines. Wayne Rooney, enraged by a challenge from Ricardo Carvalho, stamped on the Portuguese defender and was promptly sent off, with Rooney’s Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo winking to the Portugal bench after the incident. England lost on penalties, and the World Cup dream was over.

2002: England 1-2 Brazil

Four years previously, England also failed to get past the quarter-finals. This time, it was eventual champions Brazil who stood in their way, and when you look at the quality that was in the Brazil team at the time, it’s perhaps no surprise that it was a step too far for Sven’s side.

There was a point where it looked as if it was going to be England’s day in Shizuoka. Michael Owen gave the Three Lions the lead midway through the first half, pouncing on a mistake by Lucio to finish coolly past Marcos in the Brazilian goal.

However, Rivaldo’s goal on the stroke of half-time clearly dented England’s confidence, before Ronaldinho’s free-kick sailed over the head of David Seaman and put Brazil front. The Selecao went on to claim a fifth World Cup, whilst England were left to lick their wounds.

1986: England 1-2 Argentina

This was a game defined by both the brilliance and cheekiness of Diego Maradona. With the match deadlocked at 0-0 in the second half in Mexico City, Maradona rose to punch the ball past Peter Shilton and into the England net, with the referee duped into thinking it had been a header.

Moments later, Maradona was on the scoresheet again, but this time it was for a piece of individual brilliance that remains as one of the World Cup’s best ever goals. Picking up the ball from a deep position, he weaved past several England players before slotting home. Gary Lineker pulled a goal back for England with 10 minutes remaining, but it wasn’t enough, and England were left to back their bags. Maradona and Argentina went on to win the tournament.

As we await the result this time round, whether Welsh fans are cheering for England (or their opponents!), the quarter final will be a key match and definitely one football fans will be watching.