The loss to Iceland in the Round of 16 at the Euro 2016 in France is the first ever defeat of the Three Lions to Iceland, according to history.
The draw which many thought was a lucky one, as England could have met a stronger team on paper, didn’t go exactly as planned as England crashed out of the tournament they were among the favourites to win.
The first meeting between both team was far back in 1982. The game ended in a 1-1 draw though Iceland scored first. The Icelandic football association pushed for the game to be placed as a full international, despite it initially seen as a B team match. The manager then was Ron Greenwood and the English team were behind when Arnor Gudjohnsen, father of former Chelsea striker Eidur, scored in the 23rd minute. England were saved by Paul Goddard when he equalized in the 69th minute.
The second was a 6-1 thrashing of Iceland in 2004. The game was played at the City of Manchester Stadium, ahead of the Euro 2004 campaign. Sven-Goran Eriksson managed the team then as his first choice team put three goals at the back of the net in the first half of the game. Wayne Rooney had a brace and he was supported by Frank Lampard. Just before the referee called for the break, Heidar Helguson pulled one back. England came back relentless to add another three. Darius Vassell grabbed a brace as well while former Chelsea and Manchester City left back, Wayne Bridge used the opportunity to grab his only international goal till he retired.
This third was disastrous for England as it was a major tournament where they had the chance to lift a trophy. After finishing second in the group, they were handed the chance to join the last eight but fell to a 2-1 defeat to a well coordinated side. Roy Hodgson has resigned, leaving the team to shop for a new coach to continue with their World Cup preparation plans.