Euro 2020: Ranking England’s last four semi-final appearances at major tournaments

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By Nancy Gillen

Published Jul 7, 2021

England and the Lionesses have reached four semi-finals at major tournaments in the past six years

England are set to contest their fifth major tournament semi-final in six years this evening. They will take on Denmark for a place in the final of Euro 2020.

The Lionesses first set the standard in 2015 when they booked a place in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup. They followed this up with a Euro 2017 semi-final, before their male counterparts reached the final four at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. England Women then reached their third successive semi-final at the 2019 World Cup in France.

GiveMeSport Women looks back at these performances.

Lionesses at 2015 World Cup

The 2015 World Cup in Canada marked a fresh start for the Lionesses, who had failed miserably at Euro 2013 under long-standing manager Hope Powell. Mark Sampson was appointed to replace Powell and begin the rebuilding process.

England began the tournament with a 1-0 defeat to France, but soon bounced back with 2-1 victories over Mexico and Colombia in the group stage.

Tough opponents Norway awaited in the round of 16, but the Lionesses came back from being one goal down to triumph 2-1 yet again. Next up was hosts Canada, who had the full force of the TD Place Stadium in Ottawa behind them. Despite the hostile atmosphere, England managed to eke out another 2-1 result.

The Lionesses came up against defending champions Japan in the semi-finals. Aya Miyama converted a penalty in the 30th minute for Japan, but England soon had their own penalty scored by Fara Williams at the other end of the pitch.

With the score at 1-1 and just seconds remaining until full time, one of the most devastating moments in English footballing history occurred. Defender Laura Bassett attempted to clear a looping ball which had been knocked into England's penalty box, but accidentally hit the ball off the crossbar and over the line, essentially putting her own team out of the tournament.

Incredibly, the Lionesses managed to overcome this catastrophic goal to clinch the bronze medal at the tournament. Williams scored a penalty in extra-time against Germany to help England win the third-place playoff.