FIFA World Cup: England’s Flamboyance Hindered by Impasse.

When it comes to FIFA World Cup impasse, England’s flamboyance has always been overshadowed. From 76 matches played, the Three Lions have drawn 22, accounting for just 30% of their tournament results.

England’s first deadlock came at Switzerland in 1954, as Belgium roared back from 3-1 down to level late on. Group-stage draws in that era went to extra time, where Nat Lofthouse quickly re-established his side’s lead, only for a Jimmy Dickinson own goal to see the spoils shared in Basel.

The World Cup headed to England for the first time in 1966, and while many favoured Brazil, West Germany or a Eusebio-powered Portugal, Three Lions boss Alf Ramsey bullishly said his side would win the tournament, and so it came to pass. In that prestigious battle, their title tilt got off to an uninspiring start with a goalless draw against Uruguay, but the hosts clicked into gear from there and won four straight to make the decider, where they edged an epic tussle with West Germany.

The Germans claimed their last-16 revenge 04 years later, sparking to what became a 12-year England absence from the finals which ended at Spain 1982. There, Ron Greenwood’s charges sailed through the first group stage with silky football and a perfect record. Back-to-back goalless draws with West Germany and the hosts in the second group stage, though, ensured England returned home unbeaten, but left wondering what might have been.

Arguably the most painful draw of all came eight years later in a topsy-turvy Turin semi with West Germany. Gary Lineker hauled the Three Lions to extra time where Chris Waddle smacked a post and Lineker agonisingly failed to turn in the rebound late on meaning spot-kicks would decide who joined Argentina in the final.

After three perfect penalties apiece, Stuart Pearce was foiled by Bodo Illgner, before Waddle blazed over to give the Germans victory. A draw was recorded in the history books, but a pain-staking loss was felt across the nation, as England’s penalty debacle began.

At France 1998, England were drawing 2-2 with Argentina in the last 16 before David Beckham was sent off for a tangle with Diego Simeone. A dogged England side fought for more than hour a man down to get to spot-kicks, only to fall short following misses from Paul Ince and David Batty.

The story was eerily similar 08 years later. In their Gelsenkirchen quarter-final with Portugal, Wayne Rooney received his marching orders just after the hour for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho. Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men made it to penalties but, much like at the UEFA EURO two years prior, they were denied by Portugal stopper Ricardo.

By many metrics, Brazil 2014 was England’s worst World Cup showing. Losses in their opening two matches ensured they would fall at the group stage for the first time in 56 years. They managed their 20th tournament draw with already-qualified Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte which meant they would return home winless, another unwanted parallel with Sweden 1958.

The World Cup nadir had been reached, but four years later in Russia, England turned a corner. Their only draw came courtesy of a late Yerry Mina leveller for Colombia in the last 16 which eventually took the game to spot-kicks. Jordan Henderson missed, but his namesake Pickford superbly repelled Carlos Bacca after Mateus Uribe had hit the bar, allowing Eric Dier to give England a World Cup shootout victory at the fourth time of asking. They would, however, go on to lose to Croatia in the last four.

At Qatar 2022, Gareth Southgate’s side managed a goalless draw with USA in the group stage which pulled them clear of Italy on to a record 22 tournament stalemates. Germany tied with Spain in Al Khor two days later to move level with the Azzurri, but England remain top of the pile.

Team Maverick