Memories of England

As we've got as good a chance in this World Cup as we have had in years, hopefully England in South Africa will give us memories and moments that we will talk about for years to come. Given that I'm 23 I don't have "They think it's all over" and I only remember Gazza's Italia 90 tears from my dad's video. But England have still given me plenty to reminisce over down the years. Here's a select few of my favourites.

England v Scotland Euro 96 Gazza's dentist chair
I was 9. I remember watching this game on a Saturday afternoon at my Nanny's house with my Uncle who had come down to visit from London. We had conceded a late goal to draw with Switzerland and next up were the old enemy. Scotland put up a fight but one moment stole the whole game from the rest of my memory. A bleach-blonde Gazza came up against the bravehearted Colin Hendry, he gently lifted the ball over the big centre half and volleyed it straight into the back of the net. He lied down in a dentist chair pose to mock a drinking game he had been spotted playing before. His team mates ran over squirting water in his mouth, I still remember it was from a Lucozade bottle. Me and my uncle jumped feet and hugged each other. I expect every England fan can remember when they were when Gazza scored that goal, but they may need a reminder that David Seaman also saved a penalty in that game.

England v Brazil Japan/Korea 2002, Ronaldinho's lob
While Seaman was hero in 96 he was caught out to shatter our hopes against Brazil in 2002. It was an early kick off because of the time difference so me and my mates gathered at Falmouth Town FC to watch the game over breakfasts, some of us sneaking a few cheeky Smirnoff Ices and Bacardi Breezers in the process, despite only being 15. We went crazy when Owen scored early and were tense when it was forced into extra time. But when Ronaldinho took that early free kick to lob Seaman I think you could have heard a pin drop. We spent the rest of the day in school moping around, at the time it seemed the saddest moment in my life.

England v Argentina France 98
Prior to the Brazil loss this day seemed like the saddest moment in my life. I remember going to bed with tears streaming down my face after David Batty missed that penalty. But the emotions were flying that game. Jubilation after Owen's wonder goal. Rage at Beckham's stupid sending off. Nail's bitten off during penalties and then shock at coming so close and losing, before it sunk in and the tears poured out.

England v Portugal Euro 2004
Sol Campbell scored in the Argentina game, but it wasn't given. A similar thing happened in the game with Portugal, when they became established as one of England's arch enemies. I still remember the name of the ref, Urs Meier (I promise I did not use Wikipedia for that) and I still can't get my head round what was wrong with that goal. It could have been so different.

England v Sweden Germany 2006
What a volley from Joe Cole. There wasn't too much to scream about in this tournament. We limped our way to the quarter finals and lost on penalties again, but that volley from Cole was certainly a screamer and one that will live long in the memory.

As you can see my England memories are all a bit negative minus the Gazza moment, but even that ended with Southgate's penalty miss. So lets hope that 2010 will bring some moments we will cherish forever and not look back on with a hint of sadness.

What are your favourites?

JT