England's past misfortunes are enough to put the most fervent football fans off the game for life. Not having come close to lifting a trophy since winning the World Cup in 1966, but always finding some incident which hinders the path to glory.
The World Cups of 1986 and 1990 saw what was probably the most capable generation of English footballers since 1966. In 1986, of course, there was the infamous 'hand of god' which ended England's dream, but also Maradona's fantastic solo goal.
Four years later, optimism high again, only to be knocked out in the semi-finals by Germany. Not only was that a painful defeat, but it initiated a trend which has proved impossible for England to reverse ever since. The curse of the penalty shoot-outs.
Euro 1996, another heartbreak. And, naturally, against Germany. As the curse seemed to be lifted with a shoot-out win over Spain, the German's ruthlessly overcame the hosts to make it to the final with current boss Gareth Southgate missing the crucial kick.
Argentina were England's foe in the shoot-out of 98, while Scolari's Portugal got two quarter-final wins from the spot in quick succession in 2004 and 2006. By 2012, everybody expected Italy to breeze past England in the shoot-out, and that is what happened.
England's youth, however, seem to possess what is known as the 'winning gene'. The cold blood to go all the way without faltering at the very end.
Just in 2017, England have won the Toulon Cup, the U19 Euros and the U20 World Cup, as well as reaching the final of the U17 Euros and the semi-finals of the U21 Euros, being knocked-out after penalty shoot-outs.
However, it is an improvement when bearing in mind England have not reached a final at senior level in over 50 years.
Since 1990, only one penalty shoot-out win out of a total of eight. Things could be looking up for England, if they manage to shake off their hex from the spot. Could England triumph in Russia 2018, or Qatar 2022?