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England, Euro '96 and the search for a lost feeling

Thirty years on from Euro '96, ROB SHEPHERD explores patriotism, football culture and why England's relationship with its national team has changed.

15.06.26, 22:00 Updated 15.06.26, 22:59 9 Minute Read

Rob Shepherd

Rob Shepherd

In the astrophysics of English football we have just arrived at an equinox.

It is 30 years since Euro '96. And that was 30 years on from the summer of 1966.

So we are now equally as far away from El Tel's shooting star, as he was then, from Sir Alf's day in the sun.

Thirty years of hurt has turned to sixty as England heads into World Cup 2026.

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Rob Shepherd

Rob Shepherd A veteran of the international circuit, covering England from Italia ’90 to the modern era. He has witnessed the team’s defining moments up close, including press conference exchanges that have become part of England folklore.

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