Iceland recorded a 2-1 win over England in the last-16 at Euro 2016, in what is the most famous victory in the history of the tiny Nordic nation. The result led to English boss Roy Hodgson resigning from his post.
In truth though the favourites were poor from the second they took the lead on four minutes through Wayne Rooney from the penalty spot. Iceland had previously been very well organised and needed to be at times.
Iceland won every battle all over the pitch and it was not like the surprise package had to produce a backs against the walls display to keep the Three Lions out. England struggled to create many clear cut chances and lacked the guile to break down their well organised opponents.
England headed to France with a sense of renew and excitement surrounding the team and instead of looking forward to a quarter-final spot the Three Lions are now heading home to recriminations and questions about what next for the team.
The starting line-up was a surprising one with out-of-form winger Raheem Sterling starting the game. The decision to name Sterling in the team paid-off on four minutes, as the Manchester City man was fouled by Halldorsson the Icelandic ‘keeper.
In reality that was the only contribution Sterling made, but he cannot be singled out in a display so inept that many of the team would be lucky to pull on an England shirt again in the future.
The English FA will now need to find a replacement for Hodgson, whose selections and decision at Euro 2016 have to be questioned. However England must now face up to the reality that they once again failed to win a knockout and the players must take a huge slice of the blame.