ENGLAND

FRANCE 1998:

Another World Cup, another penalty shoot-out elimination, but this time against Argentina in the second round.

A 2-1 defeat against Romania in Toulouse ensured a second-placed group finish for Glenn Hoddle's team and a meeting with the Argentine's in St Etienne.

Michael Owen's wonder goal and David Beckham's dismissal for kicking out at Diego Simeone are enduring images, but shoot-out misses by Paul Ince and David Batty prompted England's exit.

JAPAN/SOUTH KOREA 2002:

England avenged their 1986 and 1998 defeats against Argentina when David Beckham's penalty sealed a 1-0 group victory in Sapporo.

Despite group draws against Sweden and Nigeria, England progressed to the second round where Sven-Goran Eriksson's team completed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Denmark.

Yet again, the Brazilians stood between England and World Cup glory and despite Michael Owen's opening goal, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho - courtesy of David Seaman's inability to save his long-range free-kick - progressed to the semi-finals.

GERMANY 2006:

England's so-called 'golden generation' flew to Germany telling the world that they were ready to win the World Cup, but Sven-Goran Eriksson's team under-performed before a quarter-final defeat - on penalties again - at the hands of Portugal.

With Wayne Rooney's metatarsal injury hovering over Eriksson, England reached the second round following victories against Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago and a draw against Sweden which was marred by a serious knee injury suffered by Michael Owen.

David Beckham's free-kick saw off Ecuador in round two, but Rooney's red card in the 0-0 quarter-final draw against Portugal preceded a 3-1 shoot-out defeat.