England history in World Cup semifinals: How Three Lions have fared in past final fours on biggest stage

While it was far from pretty, England has made it to the 2026 World Cup semifinals after its 2-1 extra-time win against Erling Haaland's Norway.

Two Jude Bellingham goals were enough to bring England to its first semifinal match since 2018, when it was defeated by Croatia in extra time. This year, however, marks the 60-year anniversary of England's last World Cup trophy in 1966.

While many view England as having one of the best national soccer teams in the world, the team has a surprisingly low number of semifinal appearances.

Here's how the Three Lions have done previously during their World Cup semifinal matches.

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England history in World Cup semifinals

Throughout their World Cup history, England has reached three semifinal matches. In those games, the Three Lions have achieved a 1W-0D-2L record. Here is a look at their opponents in those matches:

England has not won a World Cup quarterfinal match in 60 years, and they will have the chance to snap this streak at the 2026 tournament. Both of England's losses have come after regulation, with their latest semifinal loss coming at the 2018 World Cup. In the 109th minute of extra time, Mario Mandzukic was the unsung hero whose goal downed the British.

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Last time England was in World Cup semifinals

The last time England was in the World Cup semifinals came at the 2018 tournament in Russia. That year, the Three Lions faced off against a Croatian team many did not take too seriously prior to the tournament.

England did score first thanks to a stunning free kick from Kieran Trippier in just the fifth minute of play. The right back unleashed a curling beauty that made a beeline straight to the top-right corner of Croatia's net.

England led until the 68th minute, when Ivan Perisic equalized for the Croatians. From this moment on, the match became a lot tighter, and Croatia held England scoreless for the duration of the match. In the 109th minute of extra time, Mandzukic darted down the inside of England's box and notched the game-winning goal to break the Three Lions' hearts.

Here are the complete highlights from the 2018 match:

Who does England play in 2026 Semifinals

England still does not know for certain who they will play in the 2026 World Cup semifinals just yet. They await the winner of Saturday night's Argentina vs. Switzerland match.

Last time England won a World Cup

England's lone World Cup win came in 1966 when it hosted the tournament. In the knockout stages, it was able to get past Argentina (1-0), Portugal (2-1), and West Germany (4-2).

While it is traditionally viewed as one of the best soccer countries around the world, the team has only played in one World Cup final. It did win its lone appearance, but the country has lost the following two semifinal appearances since then.