Euro 2016: Iceland shock England 2-1 as Three Lions suffer historic defeat
When you read the title of this report I promise you there is no mistake. England suffered arguably the biggest shock in their footballing history as they were dumped out by Iceland in the minnows' first major tournament.
Rooney gave them the lead but Iceland turned it around within 20 minutes of the first half and they held on to their lead for the entire match with some gritty defending
England had a mixed group stage campaign. Despite defeating Wales in the derby they only finished second behind their neighbours. Still coming into this game they were expected to go through to the quarter-finals.
But Iceland had had a fairytale campaign so far. Finishing second in their group ahead of Portugal and Austria they were building a reputation in the tournament and were not to be taken lightly.
England score first but Iceland produce shock comeback
The Three Lions took the lead in the 3rd minute of the game. Sturridge played in Sterling with a brilliant ball and the City winger was brought down by Halldorsson. Captain Wayne Rooney stepped up and put it right in the corner where the keeper could not reach it.
It should have been a straightforward affair after that but Iceland had plans of their own. Three minutes later to the amazement of both the Iceland and England fans the scores were level. A long throw caused all sorts of problems in the box and Ragnar Sigurdsson pounced volleying home from 2 yards out.
But the minnows were not done yet! In the 18th minute the curse of the English goalkeeper returned. Sigthorsson found space on the edge of the are after some quick passing and his early shot surprised Hart as it squeezed under his arm and found the back of the net to the shock of everyone in white.
Iceland were in dreamland but the Three Lions were not going to take it lying down as they piled on the pressure. The Iceland defence were working overtime but broke each time they got the chance
England huff and puff but Iceland cling on to historic win
England had to win this game and Hodgson threw on Jack Wilshere in the second half hoping some of his direct play would reap rewards. They were finding it almost impossible to thread passes through their jam-packed midfield.
It could have gotten a lot worse for England in the 54th minute. A simple corner kick routine was not dealt with properly and goalscorer Sigurdsson almost got his second with an acrobatic overhead kick but Hart was on hand to produce a reflex stop.
Jamie Vardy was introduced into the attack as the English became desperate. He almost got England back on level terms. Wilshere put the Leicester man through on goal but a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Sigurdsson denied him a shot on goal.
Kane had a golden opportunity to level it up with 10 minutes to go. Wilshere picked him out with a lobbed pass but the Spurs forward could only find the safe hands of the keeper. Not accurate enough from the Golden boot winner.
England had chances to win the game but the destiny gods would not prevent Iceland from making history as the minnows produced the biggest upset in arguably Euros history.