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

England are set for their third semi-final appearance.

England has cemented their legacy as one of football’s perennial heavyweights, carrying massive expectations into every World Cup. While the nation has secured only one World Cup title so far, the Three Lions have a very elaborate history in the competition, defining the sport across generations in the nation.

England national football team, arriving for the tournament with huge hopes placed upon them, entered the tournament with a star-studded squad led by manager Thomas Tuchel. They had a brilliant start in the group stages, finishing as table toppers, unbeaten.

They then displayed their big game prowess in the Round of 32, with the side making an incredible comeback after being 1-0 down against DR Congo to win 2-1. England then faced tournament co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory, before managing a 2-1 win over England in extra time in the quarter-finals.

With the win, England has confirmed their heavyweight clash against the reigning champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026, on July 16 at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA.

England’s Record in World Cup Semi-Finals

• Appearances: 3
• Wins: 1
• Defeats: 2

1. 1966: England 2-1 Portugal

Hosting the tournament on home soil, England faced an elite Portuguese side led by the legendary Eusébio. The match was hosted at Wembley Stadium, with Bobby Charlton producing a masterclass performance, scoring two magnificent goals to put the Three Lions ahead. Despite a late penalty goal from Eusébio, England held on for a 2-1 victory, defeating West Germany in the final to secure the nation’s historic first-ever title.

2. 1990: West Germany 1-1 England (4-3 on penalties)

In the rematch of the 1966 Final, England faced West Germany in Turin, which still remains one of the most heartbreaking matches in English football. West Germany opened the scoring after Andreas Brehme’s free-kick was deflected onto the net. England made a comeback after Gary Lineker struck a brilliant 80th-minute equalizer to send the game into extra time.

The game eventually moved to penalties, with England losing 4-3 on penalties, after Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missed their spot kick.

3. 2018: Croatia 2-1 England

Led by Gareth Southgate, England faced Croatia, who were underway with a historic tournament, in a high-stakes semi-final clash. England had an exceptional start after Kieran Trippier scored a magnificent free-kick to give an early lead in the 5th minute.

However, England failed to maintain their lead, with Ivan Perišić scoring an equaliser in the second half. The match moved on to extra time, with the Three Lions failing to prevail, as Mandžukić netted a 109th-minute winner, ending England’s run, with the nation ultimately finishing in fourth place.

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