In 1990, Germany, managed by Franz Beckenbauer, competed at the FIFA World Cup in Italy as defending European champions. The squad included stars like Lothar Matthäus, Rudi Völler, Andreas Brehme, and Jürgen Klinsmann. Germany advanced through the group stage with wins over Yugoslavia and the United Arab Emirates and a draw with Colombia. In the knockout rounds, they defeated the Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, and England to reach the final. In the final, Germany beat Argentina 1–0, with Andreas Brehme scoring a decisive penalty. The victory secured Germany’s third World Cup title and marked the first for a reunified German team.

In 1992, Germany, managed by Berti Vogts, competed at UEFA Euro 1992 in Sweden as defending European champions following reunification. The squad featured stars like Jürgen Klinsmann, Andreas Möller, and Thomas Häßler, blending East and West German talent. In the group stage, Germany drew 1–1 with Scotland, beat the CIS 2–0, and lost 2–0 to the Netherlands, finishing second and advancing to the semifinals. There, they were defeated 2–1 by Denmark, who went on to win the tournament. Despite the early exit, Germany remained a top European side, showcasing tactical discipline and attacking potential.

In 1998, Germany, managed by Berti Vogts, competed at the FIFA World Cup in France with a squad blending experienced stars like Jürgen Klinsmann, Lothar Matthäus, Andreas Möller, and emerging talents such as Michael Ballack. Germany advanced from a tough group with wins over the United States and Iran and a 2–2 draw with Yugoslavia. In the knockout stage, they defeated Mexico 2–1 in the round of 16 but were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Croatia, 3–0. The campaign was disappointing for a team with high expectations, highlighting the need for transition and squad refreshment ahead of Euro 2000.

1984 – England, managed by Bobby Robson, failed to qualify for Euro ’84, a major disappointment that began calls for change.

1985–86 – England rebuilt, with emerging talents like Gary Lineker, John Barnes, and Peter Beardsley joining veterans Bryan Robson and Peter Shilton. They qualified for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. After a slow start (losing to Portugal, drawing with Morocco), Lineker’s hat-trick against Poland sent them through. They beat Paraguay 3–0, then faced Argentina in the quarter-finals, where Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and wonder goal knocked them out 2–1.

1987 – Robson continued reshaping the side for Euro ’88 qualification.

1994/95 – England, managed by Terry Venables, were in the midst of Euro 1996 qualifying. The squad blended experienced internationals like David Platt, Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer, and Stuart Pearce with emerging talents such as Steve McManaman and Darren Anderton. England secured qualification with consistent results, including key wins over Switzerland and Poland. Venables emphasized a balanced approach, combining defensive organisation with attacking flair. Friendlies were used to fine-tune tactics and blood younger players. By the end of the campaign, England were seen as strong contenders for the upcoming Euro ’96 tournament on home soil, with squad cohesion and morale high.

In 1982, England, managed by Ron Greenwood, returned to the World Cup in Spain after a 12-year absence. The squad blended experience and new talent, featuring Bryan Robson, Kevin Keegan, Trevor Francis, Ray Wilkins, and goalkeeper Peter Shilton. In the group stage, England impressed, winning all three games — including a 3–1 victory over France, with Robson scoring after just 27 seconds. However, in the second group stage they drew 0–0 with both West Germany and Spain, failing to progress to the semi-finals. Despite elimination, England left unbeaten, restoring some pride and credibility on the world stage.

In 2002, England, managed by Sven-Göran Eriksson, competed at the World Cup in Japan and South Korea. The squad featured a golden generation with David Beckham, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard (injured and absent), Rio Ferdinand, and a young Ashley Cole. In the group stage, they drew 1–1 with Sweden, beat Argentina 1–0 thanks to Beckham’s penalty, and drew 0–0 with Nigeria to progress. In the last 16, England defeated Denmark 3–0 with goals from Ferdinand, Owen, and Emile Heskey. Their run ended in the quarter-finals, losing 2–1 to Brazil after Ronaldinho’s famous looping free-kick beat David Seaman.

In 1996, England, managed by Terry Venables, hosted the UEFA European Championship (Euro ’96). With Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer, Paul Ince, and a young Gary Neville, the squad mixed flair and resilience. After a nervy 1–1 draw with Switzerland, Shearer’s goals fired England to wins over Scotland (2–0, including Gascoigne’s famous strike) and the Netherlands (4–1). In the quarter-final, they edged Spain on penalties. Hopes of glory ended in the semi-final against Germany, where Gareth Southgate’s missed spot-kick sealed another penalty heartbreak. Despite defeat, Euro ’96 rekindled optimism and national pride, remembered as a high point in modern English football.

In 1990, England, managed by Bobby Robson, enjoyed their best World Cup run since 1966. At Italia ’90, they advanced from the group stage after a draw with Ireland, a late win over Egypt, and a 0–0 with the Netherlands. In the knockout rounds, David Platt’s extra-time volley beat Belgium, and a penalty shootout win over Cameroon (3–2) followed a dramatic 3–2 game. In the semi-final against West Germany, Gary Lineker’s late goal forced extra time, but England lost on penalties after misses from Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle. Paul Gascoigne’s tears became iconic, symbolising England’s heartbreak.

In 1996, England, managed by Terry Venables, hosted the UEFA European Championship (Euro ’96). With Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer, Paul Ince, and a young Gary Neville, the squad mixed flair and resilience. After a nervy 1–1 draw with Switzerland, Shearer’s goals fired England to wins over Scotland (2–0, including Gascoigne’s famous strike) and the Netherlands (4–1). In the quarter-final, they edged Spain on penalties. Hopes of glory ended in the semi-final against Germany, where Gareth Southgate’s missed spot-kick sealed another penalty heartbreak. Despite defeat, Euro ’96 rekindled optimism and national pride, remembered as a high point in modern English football.

In 2006, England, managed by Sven-Göran Eriksson, headed to the World Cup in Germany with one of their most talented squads of the modern era. Featuring stars like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, and a young Theo Walcott, expectations were high. England advanced from the group stage with wins over Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago plus a draw with Sweden. They edged Ecuador 1–0 in the last 16 thanks to a Beckham free-kick. In the quarter-finals, Rooney was sent off against Portugal, and after a 0–0 draw, England lost on penalties, continuing their knockout heartbreak.

1999/2000 – England, under Kevin Keegan, struggled for consistency. They qualified for Euro 2000 after a playoff win over Scotland, with Paul Scholes scoring twice at Hampden. At the tournament, they beat Germany 1–0 (Alan Shearer’s header) but lost to Portugal and Romania, crashing out in the group stage. Keegan resigned soon after.

2000/01 – Sven-Göran Eriksson became England’s first foreign manager. He brought discipline and confidence, giving opportunities to a new generation including Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Michael Owen. The highlight was a famous 5–1 win over Germany in Munich during 2002 World Cup qualifying, signalling a new era.

In 1998, England, managed by Glenn Hoddle, competed at the FIFA World Cup in France. The squad blended youth and experience, with David Beckham, Michael Owen, and Paul Scholes joining established names like Alan Shearer, Tony Adams, and Paul Ince. England advanced from the group stage after beating Tunisia and Colombia, despite a 2–1 loss to Romania. Owen’s sensational solo goal against Argentina in the last 16 announced him on the world stage, but Beckham’s red card and a dramatic 2–2 draw led to a penalty shootout defeat. England exited amid heartbreak, with Hoddle departing later that year.