England's Long Wait To Hold A Big Tournament Still Continues

JAKARTA - England bit their fingers again. They failed to lift the major tournament trophy (World Cup and Euro).

Two consecutive editions, the Three Lions made it to the top of the Euros (2020 and 2024), but it didn't end in a title, aka just being runner-up.

Performances at the World Cup are worse. In the last two editions, England only reached the semifinalists (2018) and quarter-finals (2022).

England's long wait for 58 years is still ongoing. The last time the Three Lions lifted the trophy was - and was the only - it was at the 1966 World Cup.

Disappointment clearly cannot be stopped by captain Harry Kane. Bayern Munich's player was unable to hold back his pain because England failed to take advantage of the opportunity again.

"It's hard to express in words how we all feel. This is a missed opportunity."

"You have to take advantage of it when it comes and we don't do it anymore. It will hurt for a long time," Kane said.

For Kane, Euro 2024 could be the last. His final chance with the Three Lions may only be the 2026 World Cup.

However, that's not the case with Gareth Southgate. The 53-year-old manager's career is on the brink.

He has failed in the Euro final twice. Southgate became the third coach to only win runners-up in two consecutive editions after Helmut Schon (Germany) in 1972 and 1976 and Berti Vogts (Germany) in 1992 and 1996.

"I think Spain is the best team in this tournament. We didn't have enough possession, but we were able to do it for the last 10 minutes. I really feel devastated for everyone," Southgate explained his feelings.

Southgate also led England in the failures of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Despite claiming the Three Lions were much better in his hands in terms of mentality, the public still wanted the title to stop fasting.

It has been 58 years since England had not won the World Cup trophy, plus 60 years of winning the Euros since they first participated in 1964.

How long will England wait? How long can supporters actually shout 'football is coming home'?