England have experienced a rollercoaster few decades in major international tournaments. From reaching the European Championship final to crashing out of the World Cup in the early stages, the journey has been anything but smooth.

As a footballing nation, England have grown almost accustomed to heartbreak on the big stage. Yet, in more recent years, there have been moments of genuine progress and pride to celebrate.

Here’s a look at every one of England’s knockout matches since 1998, ranked from their worst showings to their finest hours.

The less said about this one, the better. The game in South Africa remains one of England’s darkest World Cup memories. Even if Frank Lampard’s disallowed ‘ghost goal’ had stood, it’s hard to imagine a different outcome as Germany completely outclassed England.

Thomas Müller and Lukas Podolski tormented David James, and England’s campaign fizzled out with little resistance. The entire tournament was a disappointment from start to finish.

Euro 2012 was hardly a high point either. Roy Hodgson’s first major tournament ended in yet another penalty heartbreak. The performance itself lacked energy, and Andrea Pirlo’s audacious panenka past Joe Hart remains a painful moment for fans.

This was also the night remembered for Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous wink. England’s penalty woes continued, missing three of their four spot-kicks. More objective observers admitted Spain were simply the better side, exposing England’s recurring issue with composure under pressure.

When Kieran Trippier’s free-kick put England ahead in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, an entire nation dared to dream. Gareth Southgate’s men had enjoyed a favourable route, but Croatia proved too strong. Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic turned the game around, and it still feels like a missed chance.

If only David Seaman had stayed on his line. That thought still lingers for many fans.

Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick against Slovakia was one of those unforgettable moments, rescuing England from what would have been an embarrassing last-16 exit. Slovakia had frustrated Southgate’s side for most of the match until Bellingham’s late intervention, before Harry Kane sealed it early in extra time. The consensus afterward: let’s never speak of that performance again.

After being chastised for negativity in the group stages, Gary Lineker and his BBC panel were full of optimism ahead of the quarter-final in Düsseldorf – only for England to labour through 120 uninspired minutes. Bukayo Saka’s equaliser and five perfect penalties were the few positives from an otherwise forgettable display.

In sweltering conditions, David Beckham’s set-piece was enough to edge England through. The game is mostly remembered for Michael Carrick’s rare outing as a holding midfielder in a major tournament.

Everything seemed aligned for England to finally lift silverware in 2020. Building on their 2018 progress and playing the final at Wembley only fuelled belief. Luke Shaw’s early goal had the country dreaming, but what followed remains too painful to recall. That one still stings.

Unlike many previous exits, England’s 2022 World Cup defeat to France was one where they performed admirably but fell short by the slimmest of margins. Harry Maguire lost Olivier Giroud for the decisive goal, and Harry Kane’s missed penalty sealed their fate. A semi-final against Morocco beckoned, but stopping Lionel Messi and Argentina would have been a tall order.

The Euro 2004 quarter-final against Portugal had everything — fierce tackles, disallowed goals, and high drama. Wayne Rooney’s injury proved costly as England suffered yet another penalty shootout heartbreak under Sven-Göran Eriksson.

By 2024, England’s performances had been underwhelming, but their semi-final against the Netherlands finally delivered some excitement. Ollie Watkins’ brilliant late strike sealed a dramatic win, his raw, joyous celebration a refreshing sight in an era of overly staged moments.

Michael Owen’s solo goal against Argentina in 1998 remains one of England’s finest-ever World Cup strikes. The teenage sensation’s electrifying run from halfway lit up the match, though once again, penalties would bring heartbreak.

In 2018, after a steady tournament, England’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Sweden felt like a turning point. Goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli sent fans into delirium back home, with spontaneous celebrations erupting across the country.

England brushed aside Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals with an emphatic display. Kane, Jordan Henderson and Maguire all scored in Rome, signalling that the quarter-final curse had finally been broken.

After surviving a brutal ‘Group of Death’ with Argentina, Sweden, and Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup, England’s 3-0 win over Denmark inspired real belief. Unfortunately, Brazil awaited in the next round. Given a lineup featuring Danny Mills, Trevor Sinclair, and Emile Heskey, they arguably achieved as much as they could.

The 3-0 victory over AFCON champions Senegal in 2022 was a statement performance. Despite early nerves, England’s quality shone through, with Jude Bellingham orchestrating play brilliantly from midfield.

England’s Euro 2020 semi-final win over Denmark came amid controversy. With the score level in extra time, Raheem Sterling won a debatable penalty. Kane’s initial effort was saved, but he buried the rebound to send England to their first major final in 51 years.

After decades of losing on penalties, England finally triumphed in a shootout against Colombia in 2018. Yerry Mina’s stoppage-time equaliser had forced extra time, but Eric Dier’s winning penalty sparked euphoric celebrations across the country.

And finally, England’s sweetest knockout result since 1998 — the 2-0 victory over Germany at Euro 2020. Given the history between the two sides and the occasion at Wembley, it was the ultimate redemption. Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane scored the goals, and for the first time in years, the nation felt united in celebration after a long, difficult period.