England, Israel, and Other Trophy Draughts After Three Lions' Defeat to Spain
- The English national team fell to another defeat in the final of the UEFA Euro tournament against Spain
- The defeat in the final against La Roja saw the trophyless run of the Three Lions extend to nearly 60 years
- Following England's loss, YEN.com.gh spotlights a list of countries with the longest trophy drought in history
English football fans faced another crushing disappointment as hopes of ‘football coming home’ were dashed once more.
The Three Lions endured back-to-back final defeats in the UEFA Euro tournament, the latest against Spain.
Source: Getty Images
Gareth Southgate’s side, who were the bookmakers' favourites to win the showpiece, were dealt a blow as goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal, either side of a brilliant Cole Palmer finish, meant the odds-on favourite to win the title would suffer a defeat in the final.
This defeat, tinged with heartbreak, extends England’s quest for a major title since their historic 1966 FIFA World Cup win over Germany.
As the trophy drought persists, YEN.com.gh highlights national teams enduring the longest spells without a title in football history.
National teams with the longest title droughts in football history
South Korea - 64 years
The Asian football powerhouse currently boasts two major trophies — Asian Cup titles. However, according to data from Fotmob, these championships were secured in the mid-20th century, specifically in 1956 and 1960.
Despite the talented pool of players South Korea possesses today, they have only reached the tournament finals four times since then, with their most recent appearance being in the 2015 edition held in Australia.
Ethiopia - 62 years
The East African nation closely follows South Korea on the list of countries with the longest trophy droughts. The Walia Ibex have yet to experience victory since their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in 1962.
Ethiopia has struggled to make a significant impact on African football since its prominence in the 1950s and 60s.
Israel - 60 years
The Israeli national team is another that hasn’t tasted championship glory since the turn of the century.
To emphasise, the Skyblue and Whites' last title came at the 1964 Asian Cup. The Middle Eastern nation has not reached the final of any major football competition since that victory 60 years ago.
England - 58 years
The Three Lions follow the Israelis closely on this unwanted record list. Since tasting World Cup triumph in 1966, the English national team failed to secure a place in the final of any major tournament until the 2020 Euros, where they lost on penalties to Italy.
The Three Lions got another shot at redemption when they reached the final of the recently concluded event in Germany, but a stellar Spain side beat them to the ultimate prize.
Sudan - 54 years
The Sudanese national team concludes our list of teams with the longest trophy droughts in football history.
The Falcons of Jediane last tasted cup glory in 1970, defeating Ghana by a lone goal in the AFCON final according to data courtesy of FIFA Museum. Since then, the Sudanese team has not reached another final.
Michael Essien praises Nico Williams
YEN.com.gh reported that former Ghana midfielder, Michael Essien, praised Nico Williams after his performance against England.
Essien, who watched the final in Berlin, highlighted Williams Jr.'s impressive display and his ability to score in a crucial game, calling him fantastic,
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
