Have England ever won the Euros? Three Lions’ record ahead of Euro 2024

Following heartbreak in the final of the last Euros, England’s men’s side will be looking to go one step further at this summer’s tournament.

The Three Lions head into Euro 2024 with renewed optimism and with that penalty defeat to Italy at Wembley three years ago firmly behind them. Since then, Gareth Southgate has overseen another successful tournament qualifying campaign - even beating Italy twice along the way.

England will come up against Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia in Group C and if they manage to progress will be challenged with navigating a course through the knockout stages, with the hope of booking a place in the final on Sunday 14 July and ultimately lifting the trophy.

As what promises to be a festival of football awaits, we take a trip down memory lane at England’s record at the Euros as the men’s side look to take inspiration from the success of the Lionesses at the Women’s Euros in 2022 and write a new chapter in the country’s football history books.

Have England’s men’s side ever won the Euros?

England will be aiming to win their first Euros at the 2024 tournament in Germany, having reached the final of Euro 2020 on home soil. Despite no fewer than 10 previous appearances at the Euros, England have never won the competition.

Records show that England have been to two semi finals from those nine tournaments - 1968 and 1996 - prior to the Euro 2020 campaign.

England's Golden Generation made it to the quarter finals twice - in 2004 and 2012 - but didn't even qualify for the 2008 tournament under Steve McClaren. While a last 16 place in 2016 was improved upon in the Covid pandemic delayed 2021 Euros.

Who won Euro ‘96?

Euro ‘96 holds a special place in the hearts of many football fans of a certain age. Held in England, the tournament was staged at the height of Brit-pop and Cool Britannia - and the sun shone every day that summer (honest).

There were iconic moments from England on the pitch - Gazza's goal against Scotland, the demolition of Netherlands, and Psycho's penalty vs Spain to name a few - but it wasn’t to be for Terry Venables’ Three Lions.

Semi final defeat to Germany and Southgate's missed penalty live long in the memory of England supporters hoping the same man can lead England to glory this time around. As for the tournament, Germany beat Czech Republic in the final to win Euro 96.

Past Euros winners list

• Germany - 3 (1972, 1980, 1996)
• Spain - 3 (1964, 2008, 2012)
• Italy - 2 (1968, 2020)
• France - 2 (1984, 2000)
• Portugal - 1 (2016)
• Greece - 1 (2004)
• Denmark - 1 (1992)
• Netherlands - 1 (1988)
• Czech Republic (1976)
• Russia (1960)

England’s World Cup record

While we’re here, let’s have a quick glance at England’s record at World Cups. The 1966 World Cup win remains the only major tournament win for England’s men’s side from 16 World Cup and 10 previous Euros appearances.

In 2018, Southgate guided England to fourth place at the World Cup in Russia - their joint second best finish alongside Italia 1990. The last instalment, Qatar 2022, saw Harry Kane score one penalty but miss another as England were beaten 2-1 by France in the quarter finals.