The Lightning Seeds, with David Baddiel and Frank Skinner, were riding high in the singles chart with Three Lions. Pubs were packed with expectant football fans and, with England hosting the tournament, anticipation was at an all time high ahead of the 1996 European Football Championship.
It was a tournament that had almost everything. There was drama, with Paul Gascoigne’s infamous “dentist’s chair” antics making headlines in the build up, wonder goals including Gazza’s stunning strike against Scotland, penalty shootouts and the unforgettable 4 to 1 thrashing of the Netherlands in England’s final group stage match.
Yet, just as England gathered momentum and began to look unstoppable, it all came crashing down. Their dream ended in heartbreak as Germany knocked them out on penalties in the semi finals.
It’s hard to believe that June 2026 marks 30 years since that memorable tournament started, a summer that remains etched in the memories of football fans across the country.
Here, we relive that extraordinary time from the perspective of the fans in Preston.
1. Euro '96
The England team of back row left to right, Paul Ince, David Platt, Steve McManaman, David Seaman, Gareth Southgate and Alan Shearer. Front row left to right Paul Gascoigne, Teddy Sheringham, Tony Adams, Stuart Pearce and Darren Anderton, line up before the European Championship Finals semi final match between England and Germany at Wembley, on June 26 1996. | Getty Images
2. Euro '96
England fans celebrate at Wall Street, Preston, during Euro 96 after beating Spain | National World
4. Euro '96
England fans celebrate at Wall Street, Preston, during Euro 96 after beating Spain | National World