Italia '90, Euro '96 and Euro 2004 - what do they all have in common? They're the only major tournaments since the success of 1966 in which England have provided the nation with genuine hope that they could go all the way.

In the latter of those three competitions, England had been spearheaded by an 18-year-old Wayne Rooney, who had shone during the group stages. He'd caused numerous problems to France in a 2-1 defeat, while he then went on to score in victories over Switzerland and Croatia.

The six points saw the Three Lions advance through to the quarter-finals, where hosts Portugal awaited them 10 years ago today. Yet, Sven-Goran Eriksson's side appeared to not be overawed by the occasion as they broke the deadlock in just the third minute.

Michael Owen had come in for some criticism for his struggles in front of goal in the three group encounters, but the striker silenced the snipers when after the Portuguese defence had failed to clear David James's long clearance, he acrobatically fired the ball over an advancing Ricardo and into the centre of the goal.

Both teams then went on to create opportunities, but perhaps the game's turning point occurred in the 27th minute. A foot injury forced off Rooney and with him went a lot of England's attacking thrust.

Even so, up the other end, England's defence was holding firm and appeared to have done enough to see the team progress to the last four. That was, until a Tottenham Hotspur flop struck with seven minutes of the encounter left to play. Winger Simao crossed from the left flank for Helder Postiga, who rose highest to restore parity.

As extra time fast approached, Sol Campbell bundled the ball over the line after Owen had it the crossbar, but the England centre-back saw his effort disallowed by the match official, which in turn saw the game require an extra 30 minutes and potentially penalties to determine a victor.

There were no goals during the opening 15 minutes, but just five minutes after the restart, the home side went in front. Veteran midfielder Rui Costa shrugged off a challenge from substitute Phil Neville, before he lashed a powerful shot into the net via the underside of James's bar.

England refused to wilt, though, and in the 115th minute they responded. David Beckham's corner was headed down by John Terry for his Chelsea teammate Frank Lampard. With his back to goal, the midfielder spun on the spot and created enough space for him to power a shot in from close range.

So to penalties and while the usually reliable Beckham fired over, that was cancelled out when Costa missed. Then, with the score locked at 5-5, England substitute Darius Vassell saw his low strike parried away by a diving Ricardo, leaving Portugal on match point. The Portuguese goalkeeper stepped up himself to take the next kick, which he drilled into the bottom corner of the net, sending his side through in the process.

"I feel sad for the players and the fans, who have behaved extremely well. I thought we had a good chance to reach the final, unfortunately we will go back to England," defeated manager Eriksson said afterwards.

PORTUGAL: Ricardo; Miguel (Rui Costa), Andrade, Carvalho, Valente; Maniche, Costinha (Simao), Deco, Figo (Postiga); Nuno Gomes, Ronaldo

ENGLAND: James; G Neville, Terry, Campbell, A Cole' Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard (Hargreaves), Scholes (P Neville); Owen, Rooney (Vassell)

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Portugal 2 2 England EURO 2004 by kokoretsi