July 1966 v West Germany (Wembley) 4-2
The day on which England stood above the rest of the world. Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick to earn England the right to call themselves the world's best as West Germany were beaten after extra-time in the World Cup final.

June 1984 v Brazil (a) 2-0
The knives were out for manager Bobby Robson after England's failure to qualify for the 1984 European Championships. But his inexperienced side became the first England team to beat Brazil in their own backyard. John Barnes scored a magnificent individual goal and set up the second for Mark Hateley.

June 1986 v Poland (Mexico) 3-0
England, without the injured Bryan Robson and suspended Ray Wilkins, had to win their final World Cup group qualifier to progress. They did so in emphatic style. Everton striker Gary Lineker grabbed a brilliant first-half hat-trick as England reached the second round.

June 1996 v Holland (Wembley) 4-1
England only needed a draw to progress to the quarter-finals of Euro 96 but destroyed the Dutch with Terry Venables' own brand of "Total Football". The "SAS" of Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham each scored twice as England triumphed in front of a rapturous Wembley crowd.

October 1997 v Italy (a) 0-0
Again, England needed only a draw, this time to qualify for France 98. They produced a supremely organised and determined performance to become the only country to deny the hosts victory in 16 World Cup ties held in Rome.

Skipper Paul Ince led by example as England gained the victory they needed to qualify automatically for the World Cup.