What happened the last time England's World Cup campaign started with a loss?
What does history have to say for England's chances?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England may have taken heart from a positive performance against Italy, but they will know now that qualifying for the next round has become all the more difficult.
But what does history have to say about their chances in this tournament? How did they fare in the past having lost their opening game?
1986
First game:
England 0, Portugal 1Second game: England 0, Morocco 0
Reached: Quarter-finals
Things got worse before they got better. Having lost a desultory game to the Portuguese an unchanged England were down to ten men by half-time in the second. Bryan Robson departed when his injury-prone shoulder dislocated, a minute later his replacement as skipper, Ray Wilkins, followed after throwing the ball at the referee. However, Morocco failed to force home their advantage and England then came good against Poland, Gary Lineker scoring a hat-trick. They progressed to the last eight, where they met Diego Maradona.
1962
First game: England 1, Hungary 2
Second game: England 3, Argentina 1
Reached: Quarter-finals
Beaten by an impressive Hungarian side England rallied to beat Argentina, matching them for physicality and outclassing them at football. Ahead through Ron Flowers’ penalty – after debutant, and only team change, Alan Peacock had a header handled on the line – they eased to victory. Bobby Charlton starred and, along with Jimmy Greaves, scored. However, the opening day defeat meant a second-place finish,and a quarter-final with holders Brazil. Pele was injured, but Garrincha scored twice as England went out.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments