THE wait is over as football’s European Championship kicked off on Friday.

The eagerly-anticipated tournament, postponed last year, is taking place across various European cities, including London, with England in Group D alongside Croatia, Scotland and the Czech Republic.

It promises to be a feast of football but today readers are looking back, as well as forward, with special memories of Euro ‘96, held in England.

It was the summer football came home, with Terry Venables’ men captivating the nation, the mercurial Paul Gascoigne in midfield, a rock-solid defence containing the likes of Tony Adams and Stuart Pearce and an attack led by Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham.

Gazette: Stuart Pearce celebrates scoring his penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out against Spain

Stuart Pearce celebrates scoring his penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out against Spain

England memorably defeated Scotland and the Netherlands in the group stage before a rare penalty shoot-out victory in the quarter-finals, against Spain.

They then lost on spot-kicks in their last-four showdown against arch rival Germany.

Members of the Gazette’s We grew up in Colchester and Tendring Facebook page have been sharing their memories of Euro ‘96.

David Mitchell, from Frinton, said: “I was in my first year at uni and all exams were over, which meant I could watch the whole tournament guilt and stress-free in the uni bar.

Gazette: England fans roar on the Three Lions

England fans roar on the Three Lions

“The Holland game (which England won 4-1) stands out for the sheer quality of the football.

“Gazza’s goal versus Scotland was unforgettable but I think my single favourite memory is the penalty shoot-out against Spain.

“Stuart Pearce’s emotional reaction to scoring after his miss six years earlier gave me goosebumps even before David Seaman saved the decisive kick.

“It was only last year when ITV replayed a lot of Euro ‘96 games that I realised what an average tournament it was.

Gazette: Gazza

Paul Gascoigne celebrates his brilliant goal against Scotland

“The overall quality was poor with lots of dull games and some really low attendances in places.

“However, none of that mattered as England thrilled us all and might even have won it if Gazza had longer studs!

“What might have been.”

Si Hunt, who grew up in Clacton, was also at university, in the Midlands.

Gazette: The Wembley scoreboard illustrates the emphatic margin of England's lead

The Wembley scoreboard illustrates the emphatic margin of England's lead

“My abiding memory is the games being televised in the uni bar and everyone watching,” he said.

“And of course the tournament being overseen by that giddy, most perfect of football anthems, Three Lions, by Frank Skinner and David Baddiel.

“Many of us weren’t ‘coming home’ that sunny month, but football certainly was everywhere.”

Stephen Bugg said: “I remember being on a school camp and missing the Netherlands game.

“I never wanted to go on the trip in the first place.

“Typical then that I then missed a vintage England performance.”

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