Euro 1984
As a reminder of how far women’s football has come, the 1984 tournament was not given official status and was played 35 minutes each way with a size four ball. England won their semi-final double leg against Denmark 3–1 on aggregate and drew 1–1 on aggregate in the final against Sweden before losing 4–3 on penalties.
Euro 1987
Sweden were again victorious over England three years later, 3-2 after extra time thanks to Gunilla Axen’s second goal of the game. There was no consolation in the third-place play-off, where Italy overcame Kerry Davis’ early penalty to win 2-1.
Euro 1995
With the two-legged format restored, England faced a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 4-1 to Germany. The eventual champions completed a 6-2 aggregate victory despite Karen Farley’s early goals in both games.
Euro 2009
After a 14-year wait, the Lionesses returned to the quarter-finals and edged past the Netherlands 2-1 as Jill Scott’s extra-time winner added to Kelly Smith’s opener. However, in the final, Germany beat them 6-2.
World Cup 2015
Aya Miyama and Fara Williams traded penalties before Laura Bassett’s unfortunate own goal put Japan into the final. Another spot kick from Williams clinched third place in a 1-0 overtime win over Germany.
Euro 2017
Millie Bright’s late own goal capped a 3-0 defeat by the Netherlands, who won the title on home soil under Sarina Wiegman, in a more favorable omen for England this year.
World Cup 2019
Ellen White scored but had another canceled out and Steph Houghton missed a penalty as England were beaten 2-1 by eventual champions USA. They lost the third-place play-off 2-1 to Sweden, with Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson on target before Fran Kirby responded.