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Paul Scholes. Not just a wonderful footballer, but one of the best midfielders to have ever graced the beautiful game, let alone wear the Manchester United kit.

The local legend dominated under the instruction of Sir Alex Ferguson for years, racking up a total of 718 appearances for his boyhood club.

Over his 19 years of service to the club, the magician won 11 Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, and two Champions Leagues, one of the finest trophy cabinets of any English international.

Therefore, it’s no surprise to see that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to bring the success of the past into the future, with a current United target being likened to a certain Scholes.

Man Utd’s search for a new midfielder

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, via Sports Witness, Man United are determined to acquire the signature of Joao Neves this summer.

The midfielder currently plays for Benfica, having progressed through the academy ranks, and he’s being watched by many of the top clubs across Europe.

No reports have mentioned that United are planning to launch a bid yet, with the club still yet to play in the FA Cup final and decide the future of Erik ten Hag, but they are allegedly 'very keen' to bring the player in.

However, one stumbling block in place will definitely be Neves’ £102m release clause, which is a fee that Benfica will look to receive. That would eclipse Man United's transfer record should a deal be brokered at that price.

How Casemiro compares to Joao Neves

There’s no doubt about it: Casemiro has been one of the greats over the past decade, serving as a crucial player in Real Madrid’s success.

However, his move to the Premier League hasn’t quite been as rewarding, even after a successful debut campaign at United where he won the EFL Cup.

Unfortunately, this season, the Brazilian has struggled to return to the standard required to perform at the highest level after an injury, to the point where he’s now being highlighted as a huge weakness in the team, particularly because of his lack of athleticism.

Throughout the 2023/24 campaign, the 32-year-old made 24 Premier League starts while operating as a defensive midfielder and a centre-back, but how do his stats compare to those of his potential replacement, Neves?

Firstly, it’s quite clear that the signing of Neves would be a huge upgrade on Casemiro, from pretty much every single perspective.

In possession, there’s a clear difference between the two, with the Benfica star being far less wasteful on the ball while also having the ability to be press-resistant due to his mobile frame and control the tempo of a game, as highlighted by his dribbling, touches, and passing stats.

Despite standing at just 5 foot 9, the Portugal international defends with aggression and tenacity, while his proactive approach enables him to always be one step ahead of the play, which makes him far superior to Casemiro.

Furthermore, he covers ground brilliantly, and he’s far less likely to be breezed past, which will protect the backline, unlike Casemiro, who’s dribbled past far more often than Neves.

All of the above makes the “insane” midfielder, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, sound just like a young Scholes, who he’s also compared Neves to, in regards to his technical class, tenacity, and the potential to become a leader.

At just 19 years of age, it’s crazy to see how well Neves is performing, especially considering he has so much potential to reach. Alongside Kobbie Mainoo, he could lead the Red Devils towards over a decade of success, just like the iconic Scholes.

A dream for Garnacho: Man Utd could sign "one of the best PL players"

The Man Utd target is also being watched by Arsenal.

By
Tom Lever

May 22, 2024

Despite the underwhelming performance of the 2023/24 campaign, the Manchester United squad still holds some extreme value.

Yet, if you asked the United fanbase who their most valuable player is, the common answer would be Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese magnifico is simply priceless in the eyes of the Red Devils faithful, which is no surprise considering he’s the best goal scorer and creator in the squad.

Nonetheless, there’s a current United star who’s now become even more valuable than Fernandes, even though he cost the club nothing as a young boy.

Kobbie Mainoo’s rise to success

Prior to last season, Kobbie Mainoo was a name that the Man United faithful were beginning to get familiar with, having seen glimpses of his quality against Charlton Athletic and Reading in the EFL Cup.

After impressing Erik ten Hag, the midfielder was included in United’s pre-season tour, where he initially played against Arsenal before picking up a serious ankle injury.

This kept him out of action until November when he made his first start in the Premier League against Everton alongside Scott McTominay in a 4-2-3-1.

After just his first action in the game, he looked completely unfazed by the occasion, and he starred throughout the game, even winning the Player of the Match award, which was just the start of his incredible rise to the very top.

Kobbie Mainoo’s transfer value in 2024

Since his debut, Mainoo hasn’t gone on to become just a frequent starter for the Red Devils, but he’s now regarded as a key player in the side.

The 19-year-old has become simply irreplaceable, showcasing his complete attributes week in, week out over his 32 appearances.

Considering he’s been deployed in a double pivot all season, his ability to impact the game in the final third has been phenomenal, scoring five goals and provided three assists, which proves that he’s a “world-class” talent, as dubbed by football creator Liam Canning.

One of those goals was the winner against Manchester City in the FA Cup, where he showed incredible composure to slot the ball home via a first-time finish, which proves he’s made for the big occasion.

Due to his rapid rise, Mainoo has quickly become one of United’s most valuable assets in the entire squad, with an estimated worth of £51m.

This is now even more than Fernandes, whose estimated value currently sits at £43m, which is an £8m difference that’s only set to increase as Mainoo continues to thrive.

Furthermore, this makes the England international the third-most valuable player to have graduated from the United academy, only behind Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.

His £51m valuation also means that he’s the Red Devils midfielder with the highest worth, beating the likes of Fernandes and McTominay.

Fortunately for the new United owners, Mainoo’s value is only set to skyrocket after the European Championships, considering he’ll inevitably play a part for England this summer, not that they’d even begin to consider selling him.

Overall, Mainoo has been truly fantastic this season, and United absolutely hit the jackpot on the youngster. Luckily for them, he’s only going to get even better.

Man Utd could sign £51m sensation in Bruno Fernandes repeat

The Man United target can be bought for £51m this summer.

By
Tom Lever

Jun 4, 2024

Rio Ferdinand has revealed how Wayne Rooney reacted to Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard “dancing on Instagram” as Manchester United struggled.

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• Red Devils have struggled for consistency
• Have always had plenty of ability on their books
• Culture considered to have shifted at Old Trafford

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils have found consistency hard to come by since Sir Alex Ferguson retired on the back of a 13th Premier League title triumph in 2013. Trophies have been collected since then, but little return has been seen on sizeable investment in the transfer market.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United have always had plenty of quality at their disposal, including World Cup winner Pogba and ex-England international Lingard, but full potential has proved difficult to unlock. Those efforts have not been aided at times by players seemingly taking their eye off the ball.

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  WHAT FERDINAND SAID

  Ferdinand believes that was the case when Pogba and Lingard appeared more interested in building their social media followings than picking up precious points, with the former Red Devils defender telling his podcast when asked when the culture at Old Trafford began to shift: “I'll tell you when it changed, from the outside at least. I rang Wazza [Rooney] when I saw Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard dancing on Instagram when we were sixth in the league. I rang Wazza and said, 'what's going on here? How are you allowing this?' And he said, 'you can't say nothing man, it's not the same anymore'. He said, 'it's not just those two, there would be a big group looking at me like I'm mad if I said anything'.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  More questions are being asked of the mentality in United’s dressing room at present, with Erik ten Hag overseeing a slow start to the 2024-25 campaign. He may end up paying the price with his job, as underperforming players fail to emulate the efforts of Rooney and Ferdinand before them.

England legend Paul Gascoigne has urged Marcus Rashford to leave Manchester United for a Serie A club because he looks "unhappy" at Old Trafford.

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• Gascoigne wants Rashford to leave Man Utd
• Thinks forward could revive his career in Italy
• Man Utd next face Brentford

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Tottenham Hotspur and Lazio star has warned the Red Devils that Rashford "doesn't seem to care" anymore as he scratches around for consistency under Erik ten Hag. Gascoigne has advised Rashford to leave Old Trafford and head to Serie A to revive his best form.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 26-year-old has struggled since the start of the 2023-24 campaign and has faced severe criticism from all quarters for his performances in a United shirt while being dropped from the England squad. In the current season, he has appeared in 11 matches across all competitions, registering four goals and two assists.

• WHAT PAUL GASCOIGNE SAID

  When asked if Rashford should consider exiting Old Trafford, Gascoigne told SportsCasting: "Yeah, definitely, I think so. I love Rashford, I think he’s an unbelievable player but he just doesn’t seem to care. Even when he scores, he doesn’t seem happy about it so there’s something going on there.

  "If that’s the case just move on. You get a couple of players that move on and then they find something different. For Rashford, he doesn’t seem happy playing in England anyway. And some good clubs will come in for him. Go to Italy, that’ll shake him up."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  Erik ten Hag's side are off to a nightmare start in the 2024-25 season as they currently find themselves 14th in the Premier League. United are winless in their last five games but will hope to end that barren run when they take on Brentford in a league clash on Saturday at home.

Over the years, Chelsea have had some outstanding talent on their books. From academy players including Ray Wilkins and John Terry to the likes of Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard who were brought in from other clubs both in England and abroad, all of whom have gone on to become club legends.

However, the Blues have also sold players who have left Stamford Bridge and become exceptional elsewhere. Perhaps the two most famous cases of that occurring are when Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah left the club. The pair are now considered Premier League legends having had unfathomable success after leaving Chelsea.

De Bruyne left Chelsea in 2012, after making just nine appearances for the Blues. He ended up at Manchester City, via Wolfsburg, and has gone on to become one of the all-time great Premier League midfielders. He has 102 goals and 170 assists in 382 City games, winning countless trophies including a treble.

Salah left Stamford Bridge in 2015 for Roma, having played 19 times for Chelsea. Since then Salah joined Liverpool, where he has scored 211 goals and registered 89 assists in 349 games for the club, and has won the Champions League.

As the summer approaches, Chelsea are in danger of repeating the process, with one player who came through the academy potentially on his way out of the club during the transfer window.

Chelsea could sell star midfielder

The player in question here is England midfielder and Cobham graduate Conor Gallagher. Despite playing a key role for the Blues in the 2023/24 campaign, he could depart the club in the summer transfer window.

At least, that is according to TEAMtalk, who reports that Tottenham Hotspur “remain firmly in the mix” to acquire Gallagher’s services ahead of next term, having had an interest in signing him since last year.

Spurs were thought to be close to getting a £35m deal over the line during the 2023 summer window, although he remained a Chelsea player during the most recent campaign.

However, a deal worth around £40m this time around could be enough to prise him away from Stamford Bridge, but the Chelsea owners could try and hold out for around £50m. Whatever the price, Spurs must decide soon if they wish to sign Gallagher. Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid are also thought to be interested, meaning the Lilywhites must close the deal soon.

Chelsea could repeat Man City’s mistake

One thing Chelsea must be careful of when selling such a talented academy product like Gallagher is not to repeat the mistake that Manchester City made when selling the Blues Cole Palmer last summer.

The England international became Chelsea’s key man during what was a bleak 2023/24 season. Palmer scored 25 goals and registered 15 assists in just 45 games in all competitions, as he helped them to a sixth-place finish and secured qualification for the Europa Conference League.

Indeed, despite the incredible depth that City have on the right-hand side, with the likes of Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva capable of playing there, it does feel like they missed out on homegrown talent Palmer, and potentially regretted selling the 22-year-old.

This is a feeling Chelsea could have in 12 months if they sell Gallagher and he ends up performing at his new club. The 24-year-old was described as “irreplaceable” by Glenn Murray on Match of the Day last season in January, and his game time certainly reflected that.

Gallagher played 37 Premier League games for the Blues in 2023/24, chipping in with seven goals and five assists along the way. However, it was his versatility that made him so important. The England international played in four different positions across the midfield, helping his side wherever they needed.

Chelsea might be left with no choice but to sell an academy graduate like the 24-year-old for pure profit next season, given they need to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. However, if that player is Gallagher, it could come back to bite them later on down the line.

Another Tomori situation: Maresca at risk of losing the "future of Chelsea"

He has asked for clarity over his future

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 9, 2024

Manchester United were left fuming after Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch and not allowed back on before a Brentford corner.

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• De Ligt suffered head injury against Brentford
• Was not on pitch when visitors scored
• Man Utd left fuming by situation

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United went behind to an Ethan Pinnock goal in their 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday and were left furious on the touchline after the ball went in. De Ligt had been forced off for treatment and was a bystander on the touchline as Pinnock headed home. The Dutch defender had already been treated twice for a head injury, that had left the Dutchman covered in blood, but was forced off again to be patched up. He was then not allowed back on before Brentford's corner was taken, leaving the defender and Erik ten Hag both furious with the match officials.

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  THE EXPLANATION

  De Ligt was forced off due to Premier League rules which dictate that players cannot be active if they have blood on their body or their kit. Yet if United had simply bandaged up De Ligt after his initial head injury, he may not have had to go off again and would have been on the pitch to mark Pinnock from the corner.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Manchester United did manage to channel their frustrations in a positive way and went on to claim a much-needed victory. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund secured Ten Hag a welcome three points, while De Ligt managed to complete the 90 minutes despite his head injury.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD

  Manchester United now face a trip to Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday. The clash sees the Red Devils come up against former boss Jose Mourinho.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez could sell a Carlo Ancelotti regular for just £34 million, and Arsenal have apparently made an offer.

Arsenal look at replacements for fringe players

Mikel Arteta and Edu are looking to shake up the Gunners squad ahead of a potential third-successive Premier League title challenge next season, and it is believed they could look to bring in replacements for a couple of big-name players.

Arsenal set to announce £27 million signing when the transfer window opens

The Gunners will soon make it public.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 13, 2024

Thomas Partey, who made just 14 league appearances last season, has entered the final 12 months of his contract in north London and could well depart – four years after his £45 million move from Atletico Madrid.

The Ghana international has been a key player in previous campaigns, but a combination of injury problems and falling down the pecking order has greatly reduced his role in Arteta's first team.

Partey could be sold by Arsenal this summer as a result, with the 30-year-old reportedly attracting interest from clubs in both Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Arsenal have been on the lookout for Partey replacements, according to some reports, with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Benfica starlet Joao Neves among the names linked recently.

As well as the African ace, it is rumoured that Arsenal are looking to replace the exit-bound Aaron Ramsdale. The England international, who still managed a call-up to Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2024, was usurped by David Raya as Arteta's first choice keeper last season.

Raya is set to join Arsenal in a £27 million permanent deal from Brentford, with journalist Charles Watts claiming Ramsdale is destined to part company this summer.

"I do think he will be on the move at some point over the next couple of months. Obviously we have the Euros coming up and he will be away with England, so that could delay things and Arsenal also need to be confident that they can land a replacement before sanctioning any exit," said Watts

“But I do think both things will happen. It’s a matter of when Ramsdale leaves, not if.

“The key thing for Arsenal is getting value for money. I saw an initial fee of £15 million mentioned in reports last week and that is quite frankly ridiculous. Arsenal signed Ramsdale for nearly £30m two years ago and he has developed into a far better keeper since then."

In terms of the potential Ramsdale replacements, Real Madrid ace Andriy Lunin is now being mentioned via the Spanish press.

Lunin has offer to join Arsenal from Real Madrid

Perez has apparently slapped a £34 million price tag on the Ukraine number one's head, with Cadena Cope now saying Lunin has an offer to join Arsenal from Real as Edu seeks a new second-choice keeper.

The Euro 2024 ace made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Galacticos last season, starting 21 La Liga games. In the Spanish top flight, he conceded just 17 goals and kept 10 clean sheets.

A move to replace Tottenham defender Emerson Royal could move very fast this summer, according to one journalist, as the Lilywhites look to bolster their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

Emerson wants out

It seems clear that it is the end of the road for Emerson at Tottenham. The Brazilian featured 22 times in Ange Postecoglou's debut Premier League season, but only started 11 times and only as a makeshift option when another defender was injured.

Now, he has been linked with a move to AC Milan, and has done nothing to play down that speculation: “The truth is that nothing is defined yet. Obviously, I know that Milan are in contact with Tottenham, they have asked for information about me. For me it’s very gratifying because many Brazilian players have played for Milan.

“Let’s wait and see what’ll happen. The Milan shirt is a very important and meaningful one. Knowing that teams like this are following me makes me very happy.”

Signed for £25m two seasons ago, the club are keen to minimise their losses on the Brazilian and are holding out for a £20m fee to let him leave, which could prove too hefty for the San Siro outfit.

The Italian side are reportedly exploring other options, such as a loan with an option to buy the defender, while they could yet move onto other targets too.

But should Emerson finally head away from north London this summer, Spurs have been tipped to replace him with a big signing.

Spurs readying £35m bid

That comes as local media in Florence claim Tottenham are in talks with Fiorentina over a move for teenage talent Michael Kayode. Spurs have seen plenty of success from Serie A in recent seasons, with Destiny Udogie perhaps the clearest example of this, and they could be set to return to their happy hunting ground once more in a bid to provide cover and competition for Pedro Porro.

Kayode has been one of Serie A's breakout stars this season, and was heralded by then Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano earlier in the campaign.

“Kayode has a strong character, he fears nothing, and it’s important when you are this young,” Italiano told DAZN as per Football-Italia. “Moreover, he is physically strong and motivated after winning the (U19) Euros. When he returned to Florence, he kept the gold medal around his neck for a few days.”

He started 22 times for La Viola in Serie A, grabbing a goal and two assists in the process, and appears to have caught Tottenham's eye.

Tottenham prepare swap deal for "outstanding" £25k-p/w midfielder – report

He would add another dimension to Tottenham’s midfield.

By
Ben Browning

Jun 24, 2024

That is according to journalist Mario Tenerani, who told Firenze Viola [via Sport Witness] that Tottenham could become a serious obstacle between the defender and Fiorentina, and hinted that Spurs are willing to offer £34m to complete the deal.

“Tottenham’s pressure on Kayode could turn into a nightmare for Viola supporters. The English are serious and have significant economic possibilities. They started from €40m and for now Fiorentina have resisted, but if they were to go further the picture could change suddenly,”

Any deal will surely depend on the future of Emerson and the sum that the club are able to extract from his sale, but Kayode could be a move that advances fast in the not too distant future.

Arsenal fans have been left distraught after seeing their Premier League title hopes hit again by a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.

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• Alexander Isak downs Arsenal at St James' Park
• Second Premier League defeat in three games
• Fans react to disappointment

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Newcastle enjoyed another home win over Arsenal on Saturday, taking all three points thanks to Alexander Isak's 12th-minute header. The result means it's two Premier League defeats in three games for the Gunners and a massive dent to their title hopes already. Fans were quick to react to the dismal loss on social media and are convinced their hopes of being crowned champions are already over for another season.

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  WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  Arsenal supporter @HassanGooner10 posted on X: "Unacceptable performance, the title is officially gone."

  And @bradjrr urged the Gunners to focus on other targets: "We are not yet at the level required of winning the PL title. Let's focus on top four and cup titles."

  There was also criticism directed at the manager, with @slowfee9 posting: "Honestly. Its obvious. If we dont win any trophy this season then Arteta time is up," while @nawaswa1 wrote: "Arteta is just a scam two seasons we bottled the league when had clear chances, failed to get us a clinical 9."

  And @StanSylvester felt the club has made the wrong signings: "This is what happens when u buy a DM and a defender instead of a striker. We were bad at the back before Arteta came, now we’re terrible upfront."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arsenal went into the match already five points behind leaders Manchester City, and four off Liverpool, and will lose further ground at the top of the table if both sides gain positive results this weekend. Champions City are at Bournemouth, while Liverpool take on Brighton at Anfield.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL

  Arsenal will need to bounce back quickly as they have big games up next. The Gunners take on Inter in the Champions League midweek and then face Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.

We’re all familiar with the running joke that England are terrible at penalties. At major tournaments, it has been the direct cause for an early exit on seven occasions – with just four wins via spot kicks since the first shootout in 1990.

We’ve compiled a list of every England competitive tournament shootout.

Euro 2024: The ultimate England guide for fans

FFC has created the ultimate hub to track all of England’s fixtures, tickets, kits, tables, locations and how to watch ahead of Euro 2024.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 5, 2024

While it may not be entirely pleasant reading, there are stories of courage and redemption along the way, as well as another chance to wonder what might have been.

1990 World Cup v West Germany

Three Lions bow out after Pearce and Waddle fluff their lines

Penalty shootouts have been around since the 1970s, but England didn’t get their turn until 1990. A superb run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Italy saw the Three Lions a matter of kicks away from a first major final in nearly 25 years.

The scores were locked at 1-1 after Gary Lineker cancelled out Andreas Brehme’s opener, leaving the game to be settled from 12 yards.

The Germans scored all four of their spot kicks as Stuart Pearce’s strike was kept out by Bodo Illgner, and with Chris Waddle needing to score to keep England alive, he infamously blazed his effort over.

Euro 1996 v Spain

Pearce banishes ghosts of Turin as England win on home soil

The 1996 European Championship in England gave the Three Lions the chance to emulate the heroes that brought home the World Cup 30 years prior.

After some dazzling performances at Wembley Stadium, which included defeating the Netherlands 4-1, Terry Venables’ side came up against Spain, who were picking up a reputation for failures on the international stage themselves.

A goalless 120 minutes meant spot kicks were required once again, and after Fernando Hierro hit the crossbar with Spain’s first effort, a succession of England penalties – including a ferocious effort from Pearce – meant there was no room for error from Miguel Angel Nadal. His shot was saved by David Seaman and the Three Lions were off to the semi-finals…

Euro 1996 v Germany

Gareth Southgate denied as England fall in semis again

A serious case of déjà vu befell England as Germany knocked them out after a penalty shootout that went to sudden death.

Locked at 1-1 after an extra-time period where both teams could have scored the golden goal to send them through (looking at you, Gazza), a repeat of the 1990 conclusion was in store.

Ten perfect penalties preceded Gareth Southgate’s effort, which was saved by Andreas Kopke (leading to that Pizza Hut advert), allowing Andreas Moller the opportunity to break England hearts, and he duly obliged.

Germany went on to win the tournament after defeating the Czech Republic with a golden goal in extra time.

1998 World Cup v Argentina

10-player England make it to pens but miss out on quarters

While the main furore of the match came from David Beckham’s infamous sending-off, it was the same old story for England, who were knocked out of the World Cup in the round of 16.

Alan Shearer and a young Michael Owen helped England to lead from behind in normal time, but Javier Zanetti equalised before the break, and that’s how it stayed until the end of extra-time.

David Seaman saved from Hernan Crespo to give England hope, but Paul Ince also missed, handing Argentina the advantage when it was to left to David Batty to take the tie into sudden death.

His effort was saved by Carlos Roa, and England were out once again. This was becoming something of a habit.

Euro 2004 v Portugal

Glove-less Ricardo saves and scores to break England hearts

With England’s golden generation arguably at the peak of their powers, Euro 2004 seemed the perfect opportunity to add the silverware their collective talents deserved.

But up against tournament hosts Portugal in the quarter-final, luck was not on their side. With Wayne Rooney exiting the tie early through a broken metatarsal, their misery was compounded when Helder Postiga scored a late equaliser to force extra-time.

Sol Campbell had a goal harshly disallowed in the final seconds, and after trading goals in the extra period, it was to be penalties once again.

The shootout was just as dramatic, with David Beckham and Rui Costa missing the target completely. Before Darius Vassell’s sudden-death penalty, Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo opted to remove his gloves – and it worked a treat as he smothered Vassell’s effort to safety.

He then stepped up himself for the winning kick, dispatching perfectly beyond David James to send the hosts through.

2006 World Cup v Portugal

Familiar foes win once more as Ronaldo lands decisive blow

Portugal were the enemy for a second major tournament in a row, and England were left ruing what might have been as the chance of another major semi-final passed them by.

They had to work hard just to get to penalties after Rooney was sent off in the second half of normal time, which saw Cristiano Ronaldo vehemently appeal to the referee, leading to his famous wink.

As in 2004, the shootout saw misses from both sides, with Lampard and Gerrard’s misses meaning England couldn’t capitalise on the failures of Hugo Viana and Petit.

Jamie Carragher then screwed up on what was his second attempt, which gave Ronaldo the chance to send England home again. It was now four shootout defeats in a row for the Three Lions.

Euro 2012 v Italy

Pirlo’s brilliance helps the Azzurri come from behind in shootout

Italy dominated this Euro 2012 quarter-final, but England very nearly held their nerve to make the semis.

Penalties were on the agenda once again after a goalless two hours, and things looked up when Riccardo Montolivo missed from the spot, with Wayne Rooney netting to give England a slender advantage.

The Italians responded through Andrea Pirlo’s impudent Panenka effort which left Joe Hart looking rather foolish.

Ashley Young and Ashley Cole then proceeded to miss, with Alessandro Diamanti securing the Azzurri’s semi-final berth, where they went on to beat Germany before being hammered by Spain in the final.

2018 World Cup v Colombia

England finally win on penalties after surviving mighty scare

All was going to plan for Gareth Southgate’s England as a Harry Kane penalty put them one up and on the brink of the quarter-finals, where a tantalising tie against Sweden awaited.

But up stepped Yerry Mina to nod in from a corner at the death to force another 30 minutes, which were inevitably followed by the dreaded shootout.

It seemed to be heading the same way as it always had when Jordan Henderson saw his penalty saved by David Ospina. Luckily, Mateus Uribe hit the crossbar, while Kieran Trippier scored to restore parity.

And after Pickford denied Carlos Bacca from the spot, Eric Dier was the man to secure England’s first overseas major tournament victory via penalties. Sadly, the dream would end agonisingly in the semis, but England looked to have turned a corner under Southgate.

2019 Nations League v Switzerland

England win back-to-back shootouts to snatch third place

England topped their Nations League group to secure a place at the inaugural finals in Portugal. They were beaten by eventual finalists the Netherlands before advancing to a bronze medal match with Switzerland.

A goalless draw meant the tie would be decided via a shootout, with Pickford even scoring himself before saving from Josip Drmic, which stopped a run of 11 successful spot kicks.

The victory meant the Three Lions recorded successive penalty shootout victories for the first time in their history.

Euro 2020 v Italy

Donnarumma saves deny England first major honour since 1966 World Cup

Despite the penalty demons being exorcised, their return could not have been more painfully timed. England had seen off the likes of Germany and Ukraine with relative ease and squeezed past Denmark in front of a rapturous home crowd. The meeting with Italy was meant to be a crowning moment in English football history.

We all know how it ended, with Luke Shaw’s early opener cancelled out by Leonardo Bonucci’s second-half equaliser, before the game fizzled out and was decided on penalties.

It appeared that luck may just have been shining on England again after Andrea Belotti’s miss gave the hosts the advantage, but misses from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho gave Italy match point, only for Pickford to foil the often-reliable Jorginho from the spot.

Bukayo Saka, still only 19 at the time, then stood up for England’s fifth penalty, but his was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma as Italy earned their first European title since 1968.