England at Euro 1996: Where are they now?

Many of us have been rolling back the years over the last few weeks, catching up with ITV’s full replay of Euro ’96.

For England fans it was a tournament full of hope and dreams. After failing to qualify for the World Cup in 1994, the Three Lions were hosting the Euros and there was a real belief that Terry Venables’ squad could go far.

Ultimately it wasn’t to be. After drawing with Switzerland and beating Scotland and the Netherlands in the Group stage, England defeated Spain on penalties in the quarter-finals.

But just as a nation began to belief that football really might be coming home, the hosts were beaten on spot-kicks by Germany in the semi-finals.

It’s been 24 years since that memorable tournament, and if you’re wondering where the players from that England squad are now, wonder no more!

GK – David Seaman

England’s Safe Hands. Seaman made the crucial save from Miguel Angel Nadal England in the shootout victory over Spain. Earned 75 caps for the Three Lions. Seaman retired in 2004 and can occasionally be seen in the pundit’s chair, also now on Harry’s Heroes on ITV.

RB – Gary Neville

Euro ’96 was Neville’s first senior tournament with England. He would play in four others, racking up 85 caps.  Was England assistant manager from 2012 to 2016, and was also briefly in charge of Valencia in 2015. Now a leading pundit on Sky Sports’ Football coverage, and a vocal presence on Twitter.

CB – Gareth Southgate

Not everyone will remember Euro 96 so fondly. Southgate missed the decisive spot-kick against Germany. Played 57 times for England, and became Middlesbrough manager in 2006. Spent three years as England U21 boss, before becoming England manager in 2016, leading the Three Lions to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.

CB – Tony Adams

The other-half of England’s centre-back partnership. Adams played 66 times for England, and hung up his boots in 2002. Has since managed Wycombe, Portsmouth, Gabala and Granada and was named President of the Rugby Football League in 2019.

LB – Stuart Pearce

Euro ’96 meant redemption for Stuart Pearce. His thumping penalty versus Spain helping rest the demons of his miss against Germany at Italia ’90. Played 78 times for the Three Lions, retiring in 2002. Has since managed Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, England’s U21s, and Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics. Now appears regularly as a football pundit.

MF – Paul Ince

Ince’s holding play allowed team-mate Gascoigne the time and space to create attacks going forward. The Guv’nor played 53 times for England until 2000, eventually hanging up his boots in 2007. Has managed Macclesfield, MK Dons, Blackburn, Notts County and Blackpool, and is often seen doing punditry on televised games.

MF – Paul Gascoigne

Perhaps the star of England’s run all those years ago. Paul Gascoigne was in fine form at Euro ’96, scoring that memorable goal versus Scotland. Euro 96 was also Gazza’s last major tournament, he played 57 times for England and retired from playing in 2002. Briefly managed Kettering in 2005, and personal struggles have been documented in the press.

MF – Steve McManaman

Then-Liverpool winger McManaman was at his best at Euro ’96, tormenting defences on either flank with his pace and skill. He played 37 times for England, and retired from playing in 2005. Is now a regular co-commentator on BT Sport’s Premier League and Champions League coverage.

MF – Darren Anderton

Before David Beckham arrived, Darren Anderton was England’s creative outlet on the right-hand side. Injuries and Beckham’s impact limited Anderton to 30 caps between 1994 and 2001, retiring from the game by scoring a last-minute winner for Bournemouth in 2008.

FW – Alan Shearer

Still the Premier League’s record goalscorer, Alan Shearer fired in five goals at Euro ’96. He played 63 times for England in total, netting 30 goals before retiring from international football in 2000. Ended his playing days at Newcastle in 2006, before briefly managing the club in 2009. Now a pundit regularly seen on Match of the Day.

FW – Teddy Sheringham

Sheringham and Shearer were quite the combo at Euro ’96, netting seven goals between them. Sheringham played 57 times for England between 1993 and 2002, and retired from football in 2008. Held brief stints in charge of Stevenage and ATK in India and can nowadays be seen on the box as a pundit at England, Tottenham or Man United games.