Euro 2016: 5 jinxes that were & weren't broken at this edition

Unbroken: England’s Euro openers

England have failed to win their opening match at Euros since 1968.

Before Euro 2016, England had participated in seven European championships since 1968. However, they failed to seal a victory in the opening fixture of these tournaments, drawing three and losing four.

After a splendid qualifying campaign, England faced Russia in their opening match of Euro 2016 looking to get the monkey off their backs. England had a positive start, taking the lead in the 73rd minute after Eric Dier’s free kick found the back of the net.

Despite holding on to the lead up until the 90th minute, before an equaliser from Vasili Berezutski in stoppage time broke England’s hopes of sealing their first opening match victory in seven European Championships. The wait for a victory in a European Championship opener continues for the Three Lions.