ENGLAND IN GERMANY

SAM SHEPPEY LOOKS BACK AT THE WORLD CUP IN 2006 AS ENGLAND GET SET TO RETURN TO GERMANY...

FOR the first time in 18 years, a complete international men's football tournament takes place in Germany. The Euros are on the way this summer and there will be plenty of anticipation and excitement about what's in store.

Back in 2006, Germany staged the World Cup, won eventually by Italy on penalties after a close-fought and controversial encounter against France.

England were eliminated by Portugal in the quarter-finals, Sven-Goran Eriksson's final game in charge of the Three Lions.

Sadly, the Swede was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, with people now looking back to his five-year spell in charge of England.

Gareth Southgate's England will start their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia at the Arena AufSchalke, the same venue the Portugal elimination came in.

So here's a look at the last time England competed in Germany compared to now...

QUALIFICATION CAMPAIGNS

Both Southgate and Eriksson led England to the top of their qualifying groups.

Notable wins in the 2006 qualifiers came against home nations Northern Ireland and Wales.

England completed the double over Wales with Joe Cole scoring in a 1-0 victory in front of 70,000 fans at the Millennium Stadium. The only qualifying defeat would come in Belfast, with David Healy scoring in a 1-0 win for Northern Ireland at Windsor Park.