While some describe the World Cup as the greatest sporting spectacle on Earth, I found myself disconnected from the 2010 tournament. The usual optimism—Rooney to win the Golden Boot, John Terry to behave himself, and England to finally lift the trophy—never quite sparked into reality. A sense of familiarity. That was the overriding emotion. Another tournament, another letdown. England and World Cups have a long, complicated relationship, often built on hope but ending in heartbreak.

1978 to 1986: Hope and Heartbreak

My first footballing disappointment came in 1977 when England failed to qualify for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. Scotland did, of course. I barely remember the games but vividly recall the ticker tape, the colourful crowds, and the cinematic release of Star Wars. Ninky wasn’t Scottish then, or I’d have had plenty of ammo.

The 1982 World Cup gave us a flawless group stage: three games, three wins. Hope returned. But then came the second round—two draws and out we went. Scotland, meanwhile, were knocked out early again.

In Mexico, 1986, I stayed up into the small hours for every game. A dodgy loss to Portugal and a bore draw with Morocco meant we had to beat Poland. Lineker delivered, netting three in the first half. Momentum grew. Then came Maradona: one illegal goal, one piece of genius, and another cruel exit.

1990 to 1998: Semi-Final Sorrow and Red Card Rage

Bobby Robson’s side in 1990 didn’t sparkle in the group stage but limped through. Belgium were beaten with a Platty stunner, Cameroon nearly had us, and then the semi-final loss to Germany defined a generation—missed penalties, an own goal, and Gazza’s tears.

Graham Taylor’s England didn’t even qualify for 1994. ‘Do I not like that’ indeed.

France 1998 brought more hope. Hoddle’s tactics got us through the group, but Argentina waited again. Beckham was dismissed, and penalties again did us in. Batty missed. Cue more heartbreak.

2002 to 2010: Same Story, New Faces

In 2002, we beat Argentina, got past Denmark, but were undone by Ronaldinho’s infamous lob.

Germany 2006 had all the media frenzy but little substance. We topped the group, edged Ecuador, and then lost on penalties to Portugal.

By South Africa 2010, the script had worn thin. Familiar failures, underwhelming performances, and a lack of conviction. The passion was gone.

From Pitch to Dugout: A Managerial Comedy of Errors

Let’s consider the 1986 squad—not just in terms of performance, but what came after. Fourteen of the 22 went into management. Few left a lasting legacy. Most left a mess.

Peter Shilton – Brilliant goalkeeper, woeful manager. Nearly destroyed Plymouth Argyle.

Kenny Sansom – Roeder’s assistant at Watford. Useless. Next.

Mark Hateley – In just over a season at Hull City, almost sent them to the non-league wilderness.

Chris Waddle – Spent more time dodging relegation with Burnley than planning tactics.

Kerry Dixon – Managed Doncaster, then bounced around Letchworth, Hitchin Town and Dunstable. Lower league journeyman.

Ray Wilkins – Fired by QPR, then again by Fulham. Gentleman? Yes. Manager? Not so much.

John Barnes – Eight months at Celtic. Caledonian Thistle said, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

Terry Butcher – Fired after three months at Sunderland. Fled to manage a hotel called Obscurity before failing at Motherwell, Sydney FC and Brentford.

Terry Fenwick – Managed just 12 games at Northampton before the club pulled the plug. Never returned.

It’s as if the “Hand of God” came down and cursed their managerial careers.

A Script We Know Too Well

England’s World Cup history is one of repetition. We scrape through groups, fall at the first sign of adversity, and when penalties are involved, we know how it ends.

What’s missing? Maybe it’s quality. Maybe it’s mentality. Or maybe it’s just us, the fans, expecting different results from the same tired process.

One thing’s certain: we’ve seen this film before. And unless the script changes, we’ll see it again.