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Play Croatia Wednesday
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The years of hurt count now stands at 60 years for England fans, yet the Three Lions faithful will still no doubt believe 'It's coming home' this summer. England have only ever won one major tournament, which came back in 1966 on home soil. They reached two Euros finals under Gareth Southgate, but will hoping the tactical nouse of German Thomas Tuchel can finally get them over the line at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer.
They begin their campaign against the experienced Croatia, who beat them in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, in Dallas on Wednesday evening. They will also face Ghana and Panama in group L. Wins at major tournaments have never come easy for the Three Lions, and there is usually immense pressure going into their opening match. But how often do they come out on top in the initial showdown? Transfermarkt has trawled through the archives to bring you every opening result at a World Cup or Euros for England since the 1966 tournament.
England World Cup opening results
Euro 1968 - England 0-1 Yugoslavia
1970 World Cup - England 1-0 Romania
Euro 1980 - England 1-1 Belgium
1982 World Cup - England 3-1 France
1986 World Cup - England 0-1 Portugal
Euro 1988 - England 0-1 Republic of Ireland
1990 World Cup - England 1-1 Republic of Ireland
Euro 1992 - England 0-0 Denmark
Euro 1996 - England 1-1 Switzerland
1998 World Cup - England 2-0 Tunisia
Euro 2000 - England 2-3 Portugal
2002 World Cup - England 1-1 Sweden
Euro 2004 - England 1-2 France
2006 World Cup - England 1-0 Paraguay
2010 World Cup - England 1-1 USA
Euro 2012 - England 1-1 France
2014 World Cup - England 1-2 Italy
Euro 2016 - England 1-1 Russia
2018 World Cup - England 2-1 Tunisia
Euro 2020 - England 1-0 Croatia
2022 World Cup - England 6-2 Iran
Euro 2024 - England 1-0 Serbia
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