Ranking the 5 Best England Wins in the History of EUROs

• England recorded a 4-1 victory over the Netherlands in 1996 and that’s one of the standout moments in English football history
• The Three Lions also made light work of Germany with a 2-0 win over Germany in Euro 2020 to end the knockout tie curse against the Germans.
• Sports Brief has decided to rank the top five England wins in the Euros as they gear up to face Slovakia in the knockout stage of the 2024 edition

England has a history of underperformance in the European Championships.

Despite their efforts, the Three Lions have yet to win the competition, coming closest in 2021 when they lost to Italy in the final.

However, since their first appearance in the Euros in 1968, there have been notable highlights.

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From Harry Kane’s decisive goal against Germany at Wembley in 2021 to the 4-1 victory over the Netherlands in 1996, England has had several standout wins.

Here are the top six England victories in the Euros, as ranked by Sports Brief.

Best England wins in EURO history

Ukraine 0-4 England – Euro 2020

England’s dominant performance against Ukraine at the Stadio Olimpico in 2021 propelled Gareth Southgate’s team to consecutive major tournament semi-finals.

This was their first match away from Wembley in the tournament, but they quickly took control with a goal just four minutes in.

Additional goals from Harry Kane, Harry Maguire, and Jordan Henderson secured a semi-final spot against Denmark back at Wembley.

With France, Germany, and the Netherlands already eliminated, this win established England as strong contenders for their first European Championship title.

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England 4-1 Netherlands – Euro 1996

England’s emphatic win over the Netherlands at Euro 1996 remains one of the greatest performances in their football history.

Facing a Dutch team featuring stars like Clarence Seedorf, Dennis Bergkamp, and Jordi Cruyff, Terry Venables’ side triumphed in front of 76,798 fans at Wembley.

Braces from Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham ensured a 4-1 victory, allowing England to top their group and set up a quarter-final clash with Spain, whom they defeated on penalties. However, the semi-final against Germany remains a sore point.

Croatia 2-4 England – Euro 2004

In their final group stage match of Euro 2004, England needed a win against Croatia to advance to the knockout stages for the first time on foreign soil.

Despite an early goal from Niko Kovač, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney turned the game around by halftime. Rooney scored again in the 68th minute, and a late Frank Lampard goal sealed the victory.

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This win sparked excitement among fans and pundits, with the 18-year-old Rooney leading the charge. Rooney eventually became England’s second all-time top scorer behind Kane.

England 2-1 Wales – Euro 2016

Euro 2016 might not bring back fond memories for England fans, but the win against Wales was a significant highlight.

After a disappointing draw against Russia, England found themselves trailing 1-0 to Wales, thanks to a long-range Gareth Bale free-kick.

Jamie Vardy’s equaliser in the 56th minute rekindled hope, but it seemed destined for another draw until Daniel Sturridge scored in the 91st minute, igniting wild celebrations from England fans.

Despite the victory, England was eliminated by Iceland in the Round of 16, while Wales advanced to the semi-finals.

England 2-0 Germany – Euro 2020

Facing Germany in the Round of 16, England hadn’t beaten them in a major tournament knockout match since 1966.

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Previous defeats in the 1990 World Cup, 1996 Euros, and the 1970 and 2010 World Cups made fans anxious.

However, second-half goals from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane secured a memorable victory at Wembley.

The match wasn’t without drama, as Thomas Müller missed a crucial chance to equalise. This win instilled a sense of optimism that Southgate’s team could break past failures and achieve something special.