England face Japan at World Cup at venue of our country’s worst sporting moment

It wasn't too long ago the English football team was synonymous with failure – Gareth Southgate has done his best to turn the ship around, but memories of Nice still linger.

That hot and sticky night on the French Riviera, saw England crash out of Euro 2016 to Iceland, it was one of the lowest moments of English football – and one of the best for Iceland.

Roy Hodgson's side has been less than impressive in France, while Iceland were on a run straight from the pages of a fairytale novel when they met at the Allianz Riviera.

READ MORE: Aron Gunnarsson is the viking who inspired Iceland's historic win over England seven years ago

READ MORE: 'I worked at a salt factory, and then faced Lionel Messi at the World Cup weeks later'

England's rugby team will be aiming for glory in France, with Umbro supplying their kits for the tournament. It is the first time that the supplier have been handed the chance to produce the kits, with a traditional white home shirt emblazoned with the iconic red rose.

From £75

However, the Three Lions could banish poor performances against Nice and Slovakia while booking their spot in the quarter-finals. And all was going to plan when Wayne Rooney converted from the spot.

Less than one minute after Rooney had wheeled away in celebration, Iceland were level through Ragnar Sigurdsson.

Do you remember England's embarrassment at the hands of Iceland at Euro 2016? Let us know in the comments section

If England were rocked by Sigurdsson, they were left in stunned silence ten minutes later.

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson let fly with a tame shot from the edge of the area, and Joe Hart – who was Manchester City's No.1 at the time – got down well. However, the ball seemed to trickle through his wrist, putting the volcanic nation ahead.

The Three Lions were toothless for the rest of the game, and the result put into place a series of events that saw Southgate installed as manager for the following World Cup.

England can exercise their Allianz Riviera demons on Sunday, with the venue set to host their Rugby World Cup clash with Japan.

The Brave Blossoms have yet to win a match against England – and this will be the ninth meeting of the teams – with their most recent clash, last November, seeing England run out 53-12 victors.

Source: Read Full Article