FIFA World Cup: Have England been Perennially unfortunate in the competition's history?

#1 World Cup 1970

World Cup Quarter Final 1970

England came into this tournament as reigning champions but they seemed to have tough luck as they were drawn with the brilliant Brazilian team of that time. Though they lost to Brazil 1-0 in the group stage, they still qualified for the quarter-finals(remember, it was 1970) winning the rest of their two matches, where West Germany awaited.

The two halves of the game were totally contrasting. England raced into a two-goal lead before half-time with goals from Allan Murray and Martin Peters as they appeared set for a semi-final berth. Relaxed by the scoreline, manager Sir Alf Ramsey made the most disastrous mistake of his illustrious career as he decided to give rest to Sir Bobby Charlton and Peters.

The reinvigorated Germans, led by Franz Beckenbauer scored twice in the second half, taking the game to extra time when the match was decided by Gerd Muller as one of the most astonishing comebacks in WC history was completed. It's not over until it's over, right!