UEFA European Championship England

England Euro 2008 Team History and Overview

England national team nick-named ‘The Three Lions’ is the oldest international football team in the world. The first ever international fixture was played in 1872 against Scotland, their traditional rival, and ended in a tie. For 36 years the English side continually challenged the other Home Nation teams (Ireland, Scotland and Wales), since international travel was still problematic. In 1908, England took a tour of Central Europe to play and win matches against Austria, Hungary and Bohemia.

England joined FIFA for the first time in 1906. The relationship was troubled and England withdrew in 1928 to rejoin the association once again in 1946. Therefore, England only contested in their inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1950. England has qualified for the tournament twelve times. The team had their greatest triumph when they beat West Germany (4 – 2) in the final round and won the 1966 World Cup on home ground.

England qualified for their debut UEFA European Championship in 1968 and has progressed into the semi final round on two occasions. Since the 1990s, England has continually been ranked among the top twenty countries in the world, despite failing to gain any major tournament titles. English football fans are hopeful that the England Euro 2008 Team will not let them down.

The modern English kit is manufactured by Umbro and the design is updated every two years. The Wembley Arena in London, which opened in 1923, has consistently been the home stadium for the English side.

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