How Have England Fared at the Last Four European Championships

In recent years, the England national team has returned to the fore after what seems like an eternity. For decades, all that the Three Lions faithful were treated to was quarterfinal heartache. However, that all changed with the appointment of Gareth Southgate.

The former England international led his side to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, their first foray into the final four since Italia '90. But at the most recent global showdown in Qatar, it was another quarterfinal elimination, this time at the hands of France, thanks to Harry Kane's late penalty miss. But despite that, websites allowing online sports betting in Canada elsewhere have made the Three Lions the favorites to win UEFA Euro 2024 this summer, pricing them at +325.

But how have their last four tournaments on the continent ended over the last two decades? Let's take a look.

Euro 2020 - Runners-up

The delayed Euro 2020 tournament, held in 2021 due to global events, marked a turning point for the England national team. Under the guidance of a more experienced Southgate, the Three Lions reached the final of a major tournament for the first time since winning the World Cup in 1966. They underwhelmed somewhat in the group stage, winning two of their games by a solitary goal to nil and enduring a drab goalless draw with Scotland at Wembley to boot.

But once the knockout round got underway, Kane and Co. clicked into gear. Victories against Germany in the round of 16, a 4-0 drubbing against Ukraine in the quarterfinals, and a nervy extra-time win over Denmark in the semifinals set up a historic final against Italy on home turf. But unfortunately, just like three years prior, it would end in heartbreak.

Despite taking a third-minute lead through Luke Shaw, the hosts couldn't capitalize on their first-half dominance. As such, the Azzrri rallied in the second stanza, equalizing through Leonardo Bonucci before winning on penalties. This year, they will be aiming to go one better.

Euro 2016 - Second Round

The 2016 European Championship in France was a tournament England entered with renewed optimism. A successful qualifying campaign had raised hopes, and a young squad led by Roy Hodgson seemed poised to challenge the continent's elite. However, the tournament would ultimately be remembered for one of the most humiliating defeats in the country's history.

The group stage should have spelled danger. Draws against Russia and Slovakia and a last-gasp victory against Wales meant that they progressed to the second round as runners-up to the Red Dragons. Luckily for them, Iceland's late winner against Austria set up a last-16 contest between the Vikings and the Three Lions, seemingly setting up a quarterfinal between the hosting Les Bleus and Hodgson's England. Anyone who thought that would be the case was cruelly mistaken.

What ensued was a shocking 2-1 defeat to the tournament minnows, a result that led to the former Fulham boss' resignation and a period of soul-searching for English football. The loss to Iceland highlighted systemic issues within the team, sparking debates about the psychological resilience of England players in major tournaments.

Euro 2012 - Quarterfinals

By Euro 2012, held in Poland and Ukraine, England had undergone a period of transition. Hodgson was appointed shortly before the tournament got underway, following the shock departure of Fabio Capello, and expectations were lower than ever before. But despite that, the Three Lions topped their group ahead of France, courtesy of a draw with them and victories against Sweden and Ukraine.

The quarterfinals saw England face Italy in a match that once again exposed their Achilles' heel: penalty shootouts. After a goalless draw that extended into extra time, their campaign ended in familiar fashion, with the Azzurri prevailing in the shootout. While the team's defensive solidity was praised, the lack of creativity and attacking flair raised questions about England's tactical approach on the international stage.

Euro 2008 - Didn't Qualify

Euro 2008 represented one of the lowest points in recent memory for the England national team, as they failed to qualify for the tournament held in Austria and Switzerland. The qualification campaign, under the guidance of Steve McClaren, was marred by inconsistent performances. Despite being in the midst of a perceived Golden Generation, defeats home and away to Croatia and away in Russia saw them finish third behind the aforementioned duo and out of the Euros for the first time since 1984.

The absence from the tournament was a wake-up call for the country, highlighting the need for structural changes and a more coherent approach to player development and coaching. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a nation with such a rich footballing heritage, but it also set the stage for future revivals. The likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Co. would go on to feature at three more tournaments, but all of them ended in failure, prompting Southgate to issue sweeping changes when he took over in 2017.