Goal takes a look at the refereeing controversies that have plagued the Three Lions throughout the history of major tournaments
GettyGeoff Hurst's 'Phantom Goal' | World Cup 1966
The score was 2-2 in the 1966 World Cup final between England and West Germany when Geoff Hurst received the ball from Alan Ball in the box in the first period of extra time.
Hurst struck a fierce shot which bounced down off the underside of the bar before being cleared. Both teams contested whether the ball crossed the line before USSR linesman Tofik Bakhramov and Swiss referee Gottfried Dienst awarded the goal.
England went on to win 4-2 to lift the World Cup for the first, and only, time with Hurst scoring a hat-trick. The former West Ham striker remains the only person to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
AdvertisementGettyMaradona's Hand of God | World Cup 1986
Arguably the most infamous refereeing blunder to have gone against England came in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.
Diego Maradona put his side 1-0 ahead by rising above Peter Shilton and punching the ball over the line. Everyone in England was in uproar, only for the magician to double his side's lead minutes later with the widely-heralded goal of the century.
A late England goal was not enough as the Three Lions were beaten 2-1. The resentment from Shilton still lingers to this day.
Getty ImagesLineker penalties vs Cameroon | World Cup 1990
In this World Cup quarter-final, England were trailing 2-1 against the tournament’s surprise packages heading into the final stages before a questionable penalty was awarded to the Three Lions for a challenge on Gary Lineker.
The England striker converted the spot-kick to send the game into extra-time and, in the 105th minute, they were remarkably awarded a second penalty following another debatable challenge on Lineker.
Lineker stepped up to score again to earn England a 3-2 win and place in the semi-finals at the expense of the unfortunate Cameroon.
Getty ImagesDavid Platt not getting a penalty | World Cup 1994 (Qualifying)
England had to win or draw against the Netherlands to pip them to second place in the group to qualify for the World Cup.
With the score at 0-0, David Platt was bearing down on goal only to be dragged down by Ronald Koeman on the edge of the area.
There was debate to be had over whether it should have been a penalty or a free-kick, but Koeman clearly should have been sent off, yet remarkably he only received a booking. The Netherlands went onto win 2-0 and qualify with Koeman scoring their first goal, and England coach Graham Taylor departed soon after.