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England will look to improve on their record in major tournament semi-finals when they face Sweden on Tuesday at Euro 2022.
Here we look back over England’s history at this stage.
England Women
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The Lionesses have exited the last three major tournaments at the semi-final stage, the 2015 and 2019 World Cups and Euro 2017.
Their overall record has seen them win two out of seven semi-finals, going on to finish runners-up at Euro 1984 and 2009.
Euro 1984
As a reminder of how far women’s football has come, the 1984 tournament was not granted official status and was played 35 minutes each way with a size four ball. England won their two-legged semi-final against Denmark 3-1 on aggregate and drew 1-1 on aggregate in the final against Sweden before losing 4-3 on penalties.
Euro 1987
Sweden were again England’s conquerors three years later, 3-2 after extra-time thanks to Gunilla Axen’s second goal of the match. There was no consolation to be found in the third place play-off, where Italy overcame Kerry Davis’ early penalty to win 2-1.
Euro 1995
With the two-legged format restored, England faced a mountain to climb after losing their first leg 4-1 to Germany. The eventual champions completed a 6-2 aggregate win despite early goals from Karen Farley in both games.
Euro 2009
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After a 14-year wait, the Lionesses were back in last-four action and edged out the Netherlands 2-1 as Jill Scott’s extra-time winner added to Kelly Smith’s opener. However, they were hammered 6-2 by Germany in the final.
World Cup 2015
Aya Miyama and Fara Williams traded penalties before Laura Bassett’s unfortunate late own goal sent Japan through to the final. Another Williams spot-kick earned third place via a 1-0 extra-time win over Germany.
Euro 2017
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Millie Bright’s late own goal capped a 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands, who went on to win the title on home soil under Sarina Wiegman’s management in a more favourable omen for this year’s England side.
World Cup 2019
Ellen White scored but had another disallowed and Steph Houghton missed a penalty as England were beaten 2-1 by eventual champions the United States. They lost the third place play-off 2-1 to Sweden, with Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson on target before Fran Kirby replied.
England Men
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On the men’s side, their first semi-final appearance remains the most important en route to World Cup glory in 1966.
It took until last year to reach another final and, like the women, their overall semi-final record reads won two, lost five.
World Cup 1966
Sir Bobby Charlton’s brace saw off Portugal 2-1 and set up un unforgettable final against West Germany, where Sir Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick secured a 4-2 extra-time win.
Euro 1968
England lost 1-0 to Yugoslavia in the semi-finals after Dragan Dzajic’s late goal before beating another since-disbanded world powerhouse, the Soviet Union, to third place.
World Cup 1990
Gary Lineker equalised after Andy Brehme’s goal to force extra-time and penalties against West Germany, but Bodo Illgner saved from Stuart Pearce before Chris Waddle blazed over.
Euro 96
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Deja vu struck, even against a now united Germany. Alan Shearer’s early goal was quickly cancelled out by Stefan Kuntz and, after a perfect 10 penalties, current coach Gareth Southgate’s weak effort was saved and Andreas Moller blasted Germany through.
World Cup 2018
Kieran Trippier’s early free-kick against Croatia cranked up the chants of ‘Football’s coming home’, but Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic had other ideas.
Nations League 2019
A lesser competition but a familiar near miss, England losing 3-1 to the Netherlands before beating Switzerland on penalties in the third place play-off.
Euro 2020
Harry Kane scored at the second attempt from an extra-time penalty to see off Denmark 2-1, but more penalty heartbreak awaited England and Southgate in the final against Italy.