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Thirty years since England's Euro 96 loss to Germany

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 7:00 AM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Thirty years since England's Euro 96 loss to Germany

Summary

It has been thirty years since the European Championship semi-final where England lost to Germany on June 26, 1996. Des Lynam’s memorable sign-off on BBC coverage prompted viewers to remember where they were during the match. Six writers reflect on their memories of that significant night, marking it as an emotional occasion in English football history.

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The Guardian Sport

By the Numbers

•The semi-final match ended 30 years ago today.
•Des Lynam urged viewers to remember the event.
•Six writers share their personal memories of the match.

Latest Updates

7:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Thirty years of hurt: memories of England’s loss to Germany at Euro 96

What they're saying

"
Exactly three decades have passed since one of the most unforgettable nights in English tournament history Des Lynam ended the BBC’s coverage of that European Championship semi-final between England and Germany on Wednesday 26 June 1996 by telling viewers that they “better remember where you were watching this tonight because in 30 years’ time somebody will probably ask you”. So, 30 years on, the Guardian asked six writers if they indeed remember where, and how, they watched the game. Fair to say it was an emotional trip down memory lane … Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Philip Cornwall, Andrew Beasley, Luke McLaughlin, Conrad Leach, Edward Gibbes and Sachin Nakrani

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