England 4-1 Holland (Euro 96 Group Match June 1996)
With the support behind the English football team growing, the country was ripe for the next twist of the tale after a great 2-0 victory over Scotland. Holland were one of the favorites to win Euro 96 as they had talent and skill. Paul Ince was fouled early on in the penalty box and England were awarded a penalty which Alan Shearer easily converted. Teddy Sheringham headed the second for England, few minutes into the second half. Clever link up play between Sherringham and Shearer resulted in a third goal by Alan Shearer. Gascoigne set up Sheringham for England’s fourth and victory was virtually sealed. Patrick Kluivert scored a late consolation for Holland; however England won this great encounter 4-1.

England 0-0 Italy (October 1997 - World cup qualifier)

England only needed one point in Rome to win the group and to automatically qualify for the 1998 world cup finals, and the clash between England and Italy proved to be a classic. England were solid in defence with Sol Campbell and Tony Adams controlling the Italian attacks on goal. England had Teddy Sheringham and Ian Wright up front and they came close on a few occasions to give England the lead in the first half. It was Paul Ince who stole the headline after injuring his head, he was covered in blood and heroically insisted on continuing the match for England and his display was outstanding. Italy were more attacking minded in the second half, Gareth Southgate made a few crucial tackles and the Italians continuously ventured forward. David Seamen produced a few fine saves and England were more than holding their own. In the dying minutes of the match, Ian Wright broke free of the Italian defence and hit a shot that struck the outside of the Italian Post; however moments later Italy missed a great chance to clinch victory. The score line ended 0-0 and England were in the 1998 world cup finals.

England 2-0 Colombia
The match between England and Colombia proved to be one of England's greatest performances in a world cup match. England attacked early on when Alan Shearer nearly blasted England in front after only few minutes. England pressed on looking for the early lead, and it came from Darren Anderton who fired England into a 1-0 lead. Michael Owen was also in fine form, running at the Colombian defenders and he nearly scored a goal himself in the opening half hour. England were awarded a free kick from 25 yards out on the half hour mark, and David Beckham powered the free kick into the back of the net, which proved to be one of the greatest ever goals in the world cup finals. England continued to dominate the football match, however the score line remained 2-0 and England were through to the second round.