From BBC Sport · · 1m 10s
England Struggle Against Top-10 Teams
England's record against top-10 opponents shows repeated World Cup exits and Euro final losses.
In brief
England's record against top-10 opponents shows repeated World Cup exits and Euro final losses. England have lost all seven World Cup knockout matches to top-10 teams since 1998. Originally reported by BBC Sport.
England's World Cup Exit
England lost to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, ending their hopes for the tournament.
“We just need to be ourselves”
World Cup Knockout Stumble
England have been eliminated every World Cup since 1998 when facing top-10 opponents.
Euro 2024 Final Loss
England lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, repeating their 2020 final defeat.
Top-10 Record
In 15 matches against top-10 teams, England won six times, including two Euros semi-finals and one World Cup bronze.
World Cup Defeats
England lost to France in 2022 and Argentina in 2026, both top-10 opponents in World Cup knockouts.
Kane's View
Harry Kane says England need to 'be themselves' in big moments to overcome top-10 teams.
“We just need to be ourselves”
Tuchel's Challenge
Thomas Tuchel's first win over a top-10 team came in the 2026 World Cup group stage against Croatia.
Euro 2024 Performance
England struggled in Euro 2024, losing to Spain in the final after a poor display.
What to remember
England have lost all seven World Cup knockout matches to top-10 teams since 1998.
