Engish Football

While the origins of football are disputed, there can be no argument that the formation of the game is quintessentially British. In the 15th century, English public schools codified football, thus introducing rules and regulations for playing the game. England calls the gargantuan 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium their home. Despite this intrinsic history and link with the game of football, the English national team have not enjoyed particularly high levels of success.

The World Cup victory of 1966 remains England's only piece of silverware. England were drawn in a group containing Mexico, France, and two-time winners Uruguay. They managed to top the group with five points. They then beat Argentina 1-0 in an ill-tempered quarter-final before seeing off Eusebio's Portugal 2-1. The infamous final against West Germany is the most fondly remembered match in English history. The game was tied at 2-2 after 90 minutes but two goals from Geoff Hurst, completing his hat-trick, led England to a 4-2 victory. To this day, there is still a debate as to whether England's third goal crossed the line.

Following 1966, England reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1990 and the semis of the European Championship in 1996. Both of these fixtures were against Germany, and both were lost due to penalty shoot-outs. Both matches also elevated the rivalry between the two nations. In fact, England and penalty shoot-outs are not a harmonious union. Since 1990, England have been beaten in a whopping six penalty shoot-outs. These came in the 1990 World Cup, the 1996 Euros, the 1998 World Cup, the 2004 Euros, the 2006 World Cup and the 2012 Euros.

Goalkeeper Peter Shilton is the most capped player in history with 125 caps, while David Beckham is the most capped outfield player with 115 caps. Bobby Charlton, who was instrumental in 1966, is England's record scorer with 49 goals. One goal behind him is a certain Gary Lineker, while the current striking star, Wayne Rooney, has 38 goals. 

Some capped England players are of a slightly different calibre to the ones aforementioned. One cap wonders such as Michael Ricketts, Seth Johnson, and Franny Jeffers all spring to mind, whilst many fans are left perplexed by the 18 caps Carlton Palmer managed to amass.

Home nations have traditionally been the rivals of England, but due to an obvious gulf in class these games have lost their edge. Endless competition hurt at the hands of Germany, mixed with obvious history, has made them England's biggest rivals. The two sides have faced each other 29 times and both have 12 victories apiece. However, England can just about claim the upper hand, as their 48 goals beats Germany's tally of 39.

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