Memories of footy Euro Championships

Now that we're approaching the 'biggest' ever footy Euros tournament, in name, and in size as well.
What do we think about former tournaments ehh, do any stand out especially as being good, or great, or even a disaster. And as an England fan, I can relate to all of those lol.
For me, nothing will ever beat the memories of Euro '96, when we hosted it in our own footy back gardens.

 

I've never really been interested in international football, mate. I'm only 30 so I was only 3 during '96 , ofcourse I watch it but can't say I have any particularly great memories! The buzz around 2018 was a nice feeling though, but ofcourse that was a world cup. Nice to see the whole country united for a change! Perhaps if I were a little older and had experienced first hand those years you mention I'd feel more 'patriotic' about England.

It boggles my mind when people put country of club too

 

Was that the one where gazza scored against Scotland. And others pretented to pour drinks down his throat. ?. If so, that's about all I remember, from back in the days I may have watched the odd game if I was interested.
Only tournaments i have memories of in general are the 66 and 70 world cups. Lost interest entirely when Erikson took charge.
He made friendlies totally uncompetitive.

 

Wow, I thought you were much older mate, uncle Frog.
I think it's weird when fans say they always prefer club over country. For me the two should go together, there shouldn't be a need to choose.

 

Euro '96 and Euro 2020 which we should have won. Euro '88 was the worst, we lost all 3 group matches.

 

It was mate, Gazza flicked it over Colin Hendry's head then volleyed it in.

 

I can't decide to this day Daz, which was the worst Euros for us... '88 or '92 or '00.

 

Re your 2nd paragraph.
Don't get me wrong. Re my original post. I allus want England in any sport to win. (Tiddlywinks even) But Success for Barnsley trumps anything.

I also have a soft spot for the home nations to do well. I think that's more an english thing rather than a uk one as we are looked upon as bigger. So the Scots and welsh (not so sure about the northern irish) take great joy when we get beat. More so when it's them understandably.

 

That Euro '96 Semi final defeat to Germany, at Wembley on penalties, was on my birthday.
And that was also the same date when Denmark shocked everybody to win the Euro '92 Final.

 

Lucky enough to get tkts for scotland game euro 96 great day out.

 

Friendlies have never been competitive

 

I really wish that was a two way thing though Hooky.
I wish the Scots and Welsh and Norn Irish really could show some respect for once, or at least just keep quiet for once.
But they don't do they, I'm afraid!.

 

It's hard to believe isn't it, that the original Euros Finals, only had four teams in the tournament. And it started as a Semi Finals knockout competition.
We/England apparently got third place, at Italia '68, when we were World cup winners at the time.
The first proper Euros tournament, was also in Italy in '80, when they had eight teams in two groups of four!.

 

That's very true mate. Just the question I got asked. I can understand why an Arsenal fan would rather win Euros with England than FA Cup. I couldn't if they understand if they chose to win Euros over Champions league though. I have a much bigger affinity towards my club

 

Yeah Frog, Id agree if we were a top team who regularly lost our top players, to Intl duty.
Like we do as Yorkies at cricket for example. That annoys me when we lose them, because they play Intl's at the same time as County matches!.

 

This is when France won Euro '84, as the hosts, with players like Platini.
And we/England didn't qualify under Bobby Robson, because of a Group game loss to Denmark, at Wembley.

 

This is when Holland won Euro '88, away in W.Germany, which is a huge rivalry for the Dutch fans.
We/England meanwhile, had a disaster, losing all three group games. And Jack Charlton and the Rep Ireland team, really surprised a few people.

 

Marco Van Basten

 

I had some filthy action with Geraldine from Germany in Faro during Euro 2004. That's my highlight, ****** to football.

 

But Erikson took em to another level. Using em as training games. Swapping subs in vast numbers. People were paying good money to watch a semblance of a game. not 45 minutes change teams. Those are behind closed doors for me. The reason imo to have B teams that played 90 minutes. Was to evaluate those players. Who would maybe not give 100% in the tackle but wished to give themselves the chance to show themselves in international fixtures.