“If he’d had size nine boots on he would’ve scored” – England’s top three ‘what if’ moments
09.04.26, 08:30 Updated 09.04.26, 08:37 3 Minute Read
Robert Taylor
England fans need no reminding of their empty post-1966 trophy cabinet and the years of sporting grief we have all lived through. Yet it could have been so different. A better refereeing decision here, a converted penalty there, a luckier bounce – our national team’s history is littered with ‘what if’ moments.
But which are the most agonising? I detail them all in my book Tears for England, ranging from my very first – Kevin Keegan’s wayward header in 1982 – right through to my last, in the final of Euro 2024.
In all that time, three continue to haunt me.
England went into this one against France as underdogs, but we played beautifully. France scored early, then Harry Kane equalised from the spot. And even though an Olivier Giroud header gave France the lead again, we came bouncing back and deserved to be awarded a second penalty with just six minutes remaining.
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