England’s painful Euro 96 semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat to Germany was 20 years ago

It was the summer of hope…the first major tournament in England since the victorious World Cup campaign 30 years earlier.

There was even a penalty shoot-out victory for the Three Lions.

But, like always, Euro 96 finished in the inevitable disappointment of elimination at the hands of the Germans — 20 years ago today.

There was optimism in the England camp with healthy mixture of youth and experience in the squad.

Two of the players — Paul Gascoigne and Stuart Pearce — were part of the team which finished fourth at Italia 90.

While 21-year-olds, Gary Neville, Robbie Fowler and Sol Campbell were all emerging as important Premier League players.

There was a fantastic atmosphere within the camp — possibly too good as stories emerging of binge drinking sessions involving certain members of the squad.

Predictably, fans were delivered a slow start as England opened with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Switzerland.

That was followed by a Home Nations derby victory over Scotland, remembered for Gascoigne’s wonderful volley and the ‘dentist chair’ celebration — a reference to antics the players got up to in of the bonding sessions.

David Seaman also saved a penalty from Gary McAllister.

Yet, it was in the final group game where England really came to the fore.

Terry Venables’ men faced a Holland side made up of a group of youngsters which had entranced Europe as Ajax won the Champions League a year earlier.

But England destroyed them.

A brace apiece for strikers Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham led England to a sensational 4-1 victory and produced arguably the nation’s best display for a generation.

England qualified as group winners and faced Spain in the quarter-finals.

The game finished 0-0 and Three Lions fans prepared for elimination as the game went to penalties.

However, something astonishing happened — England won.

David Seaman was the hero as he saved from Miguel Angel Nadal after Fernando Hierro had hit the bar.

Italia 90 villain Stuart Pearce’s inspiring cry after his successful spot-kick is an image few will ever forget.

Celebrations were kept to a minimum, though, as Germany lay in wait.

England had delivered some impressive and resilient performances throughout Euro 96 and there was real belief they could overcome their arch-rivals and reach a first final in 30 years.

And they were given the perfect start as Shearer opened the scoring with a header after just two minutes.

But the scores were level 14 minutes later as Stefan Kuntz snuck through England’s backline to make it 1-1.

A tense, tactical battle between two quality sides ensued and the game went to Extra Time.

Both teams had chances to scores as Darren Anderton was presented with a golden opportunity only to beat Andreas Kopke but hit the post.

While Germany had a goal controversially disallowed.

But it was Gascoigne who came closest as he was agonisingly close to levelling late on.

And a fourth penalty shoot-out of the tournament ensued.

England showed just how much they had improved their nerve from 12 yards as they failed to miss any of their first five.

Unfortunately, neither had Germany — and so it was down to Sudden Death.

Up first was Gareth Southgate.

And his desperately tame effort was easily saved Kopke.

It was up to Seaman to keep England’s hopes alive.

But Andreas Moller’s inch-perfect penalty easily beat the Arsenal stopper to send the German fans in jubilation.

As England fans endured the all-too familiar pain of a spot-kick hearthache.