It's not easy being an England fan at World Cups. Even the famous "It's Coming Home" song reminds them of "30 years of hurt."
Since the song's release in 1996, another 26 years and six World Cups have rolled by without England glory. Not many of their misses have been near, either...
Although Gareth Southgate's talented England generation has inspired more faith, heartbreak and humiliation seemed to lurk around every corner at major tournaments.
And Qatar 2022 has been no different — after a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat against France ended their challenge, as captain Harry Kane missed a late penalty.
As the Three Lions continue to reflect on those 56 years of hurt, The Sporting News remembers England's worst days at the World Cup.
MORE: As it happened — England suffer quarterfinal defeat to France
Worst England World Cups
England have fallen at the first hurdle in three World Cups — two of which came from their first three tournaments. Walter Winterbottom had four attempts as England manager but never went beyond the second round.
The Three Lions' darkest day at a World Cup was far more recent...
| Round/opponent | Tournament | Record (W/L/D) | Manager |
| Group Stage | 2014, Brazil | 0–1–2 | Roy Hodgson |
| Group Stage | 1958, Sweden | 0–3–0 | Walter Winterbottom |
| Group Stage | 1950, Brazil | 1–2–0 | Walter Winterbottom |
| Round of 16 vs Germany (1-4) | 2010, South Africa | 1–1–2 | Fabio Capello |
| Round of 16 vs Uruguay (2-4) | 1954, Switzerland | 1–1–1 | Walter Winterbottom |
| Round of 16 vs Argentina 2-2 (3-4 pens) | 1998, France | 2–1–1 | Glenn Hoddle |
Earliest England World Cup elimination
Following semifinal defeat at the 1990 World Cup, frustration became the defining emotion of England fans. A golden generation came and went without so much as a quarterfinal victory.
Then the 2014 tournament in Brazil rolled around. Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney remained from the failed golden generation but were past their best. Roy Hodgson took charge of a squad in the early days of a transition, featuring teenagers Raheem Sterling and Luke Shaw.
Group D presented a tough challenge, with Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica to play. A lethargic and disjointed 0-0 draw with Costa Rica in the opening game was a critical blow.
Luis Suarez fired a double to give Uruguay a 2-1 victory in the second match and leave England on the edge. They needed Italy to beat Costa Rica the following day... but a shock defat for Mario Balotelli and Co. sent the Three Lions home.
Just to pile on the hurt, Roy Hodgson's team then lost 2-1 to the Italians in their final game.
Times England crashed out in Round of 16
England's least favourite round at the World Cup is the second. It's been their tournament-ender five times.
Most recently, and most painfully, was the 2010 World Cup. Scene of the Frank Lampard 'ghost goal' moments before half-time against Germany, England imploded to lose 4-1 as Miroslav Klose and Co. ran riot.
David Beckham's red card was the defining image of the Three Lions' exit from the 1998 competition. The England No.7 kicked out at Diego Simeone soon after half-time and watched from the sidelines as they lost on penalties.
Before the World Cup's expansion, the second round was known as the quarterfinals and were still a sticking point for England, as they exited in the round several times:
- Switzerland,1954 – Uruguay 4-2 England
- Chile, 1962 – Brazil 3-1 England
- Mexico, 1970 – West Germany 3-2 England
- France, 1998 – Argentina 2-2 England (4-3 pens)
- South Africa, 2010 – Germany 4-1 England