And European Championships have never been England's thing. Of the eight tournaments played in the modern format, they have failed to qualify or been eliminated in the group stages six times.

Twenty years ago, England went to a European Championship ranked first in the world after a qualification campaign that had seen them concede one goal and drop one point. They had Gary Lineker, Chris Waddle, Peter Beardsley, John Barnes, Bryan Robson and Peter Shilton.

They lost every game.
Pity

Such is Carragher’s devotion to his hometown that he still speaks in old fashioned “Scouse”, which is less a language, more a collection of sniffs, snorts and throat hacking.
LOL. That's true. If you haven't heard Carra so far, try your luck at youtube. Search for his interviews. I' is anythin' bu' English maite.

consider the treatment given by the Czech Republic to their opponents on Tuesday.

When they arrived at the Stadion Eden, the visitors were treated to a proud display of Latvian flags, and a triumphant version of the Latvian national anthem ‘Dievs, svētī Latviju!’ (‘God bless Latvia!’). The welcome would have been enough to bring tears to the eyes of the nation’s most famous resident, medical professional Dr Doom.

All was fine and dandy, except for the fact that the Latvian squad were sitting at home in their tiny Baltic nation discussing flat tax rates and commy politics. The opponents were actually their Balkan neighbours Lithuania.
How irresponsible of the organisers. The incharge later resigned taking full responsibility for the mistake.

England Man Marking at Wembley

Steven Gerrard
Showed his adaptability to be England’s most creative player during the first half in an unfamiliar position on left. Capped display with goal. - rating: 7
What a pity! Associating Stevie G MOTM,MBE with creative play shows the miserable state of English football.

The vibes at the September press conference said it all. The man dubbed 'Avram Who?' responded to questions about his lack of Premier League experience saying: "I remember when Arsene Wenger came to Arsenal. It was 'Arsene Who?'... I understand all the doubts about me but, if I may say, I am not at Day One in football."
Frankly, he took them where Mourinho couldn't - The UEFA Champions league final. That was more than what was expected of him.

A final memory: as Terry crumpled in anguish, only one member of a United contingent containing seven players who have served England alongside him went to his side. Gary Neville, recovering from injury, got his suit soaked and shoes muddied as he ran across the pitch to offer consolation. Only then did United's club captain return to the celebrations. It was an impressive measure of the man.
Putting you country before your club.

"In my philosophy of leadership it was a very bad one because in football 'almost' means defeat and Chelsea almost won the Carling Cup, almost won the Champions League, and almost won the Premier League," said Mourinho. "Almost is nothing."
Hmm ... Strong words.

I hope you liked it ;)