Wembley 1996: The Night Total Football Belonged to England If you strictly evaluate the history books, English football is rarely associated with fluid, European tactical superiority. But on June 18, 1996, Terry Venables’ side tore up the traditional script entirely. England’s group stage record at Euro 96 finished with 2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses, but those numbers pale in comparison to the sheer tactical masterpiece that occurred under the Wembley twin towers against a heavily favored Dutch side. It was the definitive high-water mark of modern English football culture. Venables set up a brilliant 4-1-4-1 system that completely dismantled the Netherlands' Ajax-inspired tactical blueprint. With Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham leading the line, the "SAS" partnership delivered an exhibition in striking synergy, walking away with 2 goals apiece. They systematically picked apart a world-class backline featuring Edwin van der Sar and Danny Blind with breath-taking precision. The image of Pa...