In Focus: England's greatest World Cup matches

England have participated at 15 World Cups — and the Three Lions have contested some memorable clashes on the biggest stage. 

Their last outing in Russia 2018 had the nation dreaming of a historic second triumph until a devastating loss to Croatia in the semi-final — and Gareth Southgate’s men will look to go all the way in Qatar this winter. 

However, not all of England's best performances have come recently. 

With World Cup glory leading the way in 1966, we look at the most memorable games England have been involved in at the tournament.

5. Round of 16, 1986: England 3-0 Paraguay

Staring down the barrel of a group-stage exit, England scraped through on goal difference after a Gary Lineker hat-trick secured victory over Poland. 

It set up a last-16 clash against Paraguay — and Lineker carried his fine form into the match by scoring from close range to put the Three Lions ahead. 

In an attempt to unsettle England, the South American side employed some of the game's dark arts, elbowing Lineker off the ball. 

However, they remained unfazed and responded with a goal from Peter Beardsley. 

Lineker then wrapped up the tie, latching on to Gary Stevens' cross to send England to the quarter-finals and turn a close shave with early exit embarrassment into knockout wonder.

4. Group stage, 2002: Argentina 0-1 England

This blockbuster event at the Sapporo Dome, Japan, saw England pitted against their old nemesis Argentina, who had knocked them out just four years before. 

Shortly before the break, the lively Michael Owen was brought down in the box by Mauricio Pochettino. 

Three Lions captain David Beckham stepped up to the spot and powered England into the lead. 

After half-time, England continued to pepper Argentina's goal — but could not extend their advantage. 

At the other end, David Seaman produced a number of fine saves, ensuring England held on to beat Argentina in the World Cup for the first time since 1966.

3. Round of 16, 2018: Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on penalties)

England’s last World Cup campaign saw the Three Lions reach the semi-finals, where they were knocked out by Croatia — but the most memorable match came two rounds earlier against Colombia. 

A Harry Kane spot-kick in the second half gave England the lead until Yerry Mina's late equaliser forced extra-time — but the two sides still could not be separated and a penalty shootout followed. 

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was among the heroes, producing an all-important save from Colombia’s fifth penalty taker — Carlos Bacca — to set up Eric Dier's winning penalty. 

It was a huge moment for the Three Lions, winning their first World Cup shootout at the fourth attempt and putting their spot-kick demons to bed. 

Following the win, captain Kane spoke of the shootout’s importance. 

He said: "Penalty shootouts are a lot about mentality, and obviously we know England haven't done great in the past, so it was nice to get that one off our back and it'll give us huge belief going forward. 

"There's still a long way to go, but as a team, we are as together as we can be. 

"This will give the team more belief than ever — and the fans back home."

2. Quarter-finals, 1990: Cameroon 2-3 England (aet)

Number two on the list is England's quarter-final clash with Cameroon. 

Not only would the Three Lions go on to reach the last four of the World Cup for the first time since 1966 — but their triumph also had a significant impact on England's footballing future. 

David Platt headed England in front, before an Emmanuel Kunde penalty and Eugene Ekeke chip turned the tide for Cameroon. 

With time running out, Lineker won and converted a penalty to force extra-time, before the striker went on to score another from 12 yards to prevent a shootout and secure a dramatic win. 

It arranged a semi-final clash with West Germany, who they would lose to on penalties. 

Still, England's performance ushered in a new attitude towards football after it had garnered a poor reputation following the rise of hooliganism.

The Premier League was established two years later in 1992 and helped turn the sport into the global powerhouse it is today.

1. Final, 1966: England 4-2 Germany (aet)

Just eight nations have achieved World Cup glory and even fewer have tasted success on home soil — but in 1966, England accomplished that incredible feat. 

In a thrilling final, West Germany took an early lead through Helmut Haller, before Geoff Hurst levelled the scores just six minutes later. 

Martin Peters then put the hosts in front with 12 minutes of normal time remaining — but German centre-back Wolfgang Weber scored a dramatic, late equaliser to force extra-time. 

The Three Lions would not be beaten, however, with Hurst netting twice more to complete the only World Cup final hat-trick ever scored and secure England’s first — and only — major international trophy in spectacular style.