Euro 1987
Sweden were again conquerors of England three years later, 3-2 after extra time thanks to Gunilla Axen’s second goal of the match. There was no consolation in the third-place play-off, where Italy overcame a Kerry Davies penalty to win 2-1.
Euro 1995
With the two-legged format restored, England faced a mountain to climb after losing their opening game 4-1 to Germany. The defending champions ran out 6-2 winners on aggregate despite early goals from Karen Farley in both games.
Euro 2009
After a 14-year wait, the Lionesses returned to the last four and beat Holland 2-1 as Jill Scott’s extra-time winner added to Kelly Smith’s opener. However, in the final they were beaten 6-2 by Germany.
World Cup 2015
Aya Miyama and Farah Williams exchanged penalties before Laura Bassett’s unfortunate own goal late on sent Japan through to the final. Another Williams spot-kick clinched third place via a 1-0 extra-time win over Germany.
Euro 2017
Millie Bright’s late own goal sealed a 3-0 defeat by the Netherlands, who won the title on home soil under Sarina Wiegman in a more favorable omen for this year’s England team.
World Cup 2019
Ellen White scored but had another disallowed and Steph Houghton missed a penalty as England were beaten 2-1 by eventual champions the United States. They lost the third-place play-off 2-1 to Sweden, with Kosovare Aslani and Sofia Jacobson on target before Fran Kirby replied.
