Play Croatia Wednesday 

How do England usually fare in opening game at the World Cup? Every major tournament result since 1966 revealed

©TM/IMAGO

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.

Staff

Thomas Tuchel


T. Tuchel
Age: 52
England

England

All seasons
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All competitions

Games

14

Won

11

Draw

1

Lost

2

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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