England's record in FIFA World Cup quarter-finals: Wins, losses and complete history

England are set to make their 11th World Cup quarter-final appearance.

England are often considered the sleeping giants of international football. They enjoyed their best campaign in 1966. They won the coveted trophy for the first and only time back then.

Since then, six decades have passed. Multiple managers have tried their luck. Several golden generations have come and gone. Everything has resulted in the Three Lions coming close to the trophy without winning it.

During every edition of the FIFA World Cup, they are seen as one of the favourites to win the title, courtesy of the heavyweight image they have solidified over the years. Similarly, the Three Lions are currently competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 under Thomas Tuchel, hoping to win their second-ever title.

After topping their group and beating the DR Congo and Mexico in the round of 32 and pre-quarterfinals, respectively, they are set to square off against Norway in the last eight.

England’s record in World Cup Quarterfinals

• Appearances: 10
• Wins: 3
• Defeats: 7

1. 1954: England 2-4 Uruguay

The Three Lions played their first-ever quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup 72 years ago. They lost 4-2 to Uruguay. Nat Lofthouse and Tom Finney found the back of the net for England.

However, it was not enough to beat the two-time champions, who scored four goals.

2. 1962: England 1-3 Brazil

They returned to the final of the FIFA World Cup at the 1962 edition. However, the Three Lions went down fighting against a Pele-less Brazil. Garrincha scored a brace to secure a triumph for the Selecao.

3. 1966: England 1-0 Argentina

England reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup for two consecutive editions for the first time in 1966. Geoff Hurst scored the only goal of the game against Argentina with just 12 minutes remaining in the game. Playing on home soil, the Three Lions added the most important piece of history in their books by winning the 1966 World Cup.

4. 1970: England 2-3 West Germany (AET)

England entered the FIFA World Cup 1970 as the defending champions; they faced West Germany in the last eight. Alan Mullery and Martin Peters scored for the Three Lions, giving them a 2-0 lead.

However, West Germany won the game after forcing it into extra time.

5. 1986: England 1-2 Argentina

Well, the Three Lions lost to Argentina in one of the most historic clashes in the tournament’s history. Diego Maradona opened the scoring with the ‘Hand of God’ before adding a second with a magnificent solo goal. Gary Lineker was the English side’s only goal scorer, but his efforts were not sufficient to put the side forward.

6. 1990: England 3-2 Cameroon (AET)

The English side reached two consecutive quarter-finals for the second time in their history. Facing Cameroon in Naples, David Platt gave the Three Lions a lead before Emmanuel Kunde and Eugène Ekeke scored to make the score 2-1. Later, Gary Lineker scored two penalties to secure a berth in the semifinals for the 1966 champion.

7. 2002: England 1-2 Brazil

After a decade, the Three Lions returned to the quarter-finals of the greatest tournament in football; however, their efforts came up short against a star-studded Brazilian lineup. Michael Owen scored for England.

But goals for Rivaldo and Ronaldinho nullified the effect of the English side’s single strike.

8. 2006: England 0-0 Portugal (1-3 on penalties)

After losing to Portugal on penalties in the Euros 2004, the Three Lions got a replay during the FIFA World Cup 2006. Portuguese custodian Ricardo saved three penalties from Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Jamie Carragher to help the Seleção das Quinas dramatically reach the semifinals.

9. 2018: England 2-0 Sweden

England’s last quarterfinal win in the FIFA World Cup came during the 2018 edition in Russia. They defeated Sweden 2-0, courtesy of goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli.

10. 2022: England 1-2 France

Harry Kane scored a penalty in the 54th minute to balance Aurelien Tchouameni’s early strike in the game against two-time champions France. However, a goal from Olivier Giroud with only 12 minutes remaining on the clock helped Les Bleus reach the semi-finals in Qatar.

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