In 1990 we were dire at the groups. 1 win and 2 draws (Couldnt beat the mighty Ireland and only just scraped a 1-0 against Egypt). Then it took a last minute goal by Platt to save our blushes against Belgium. Then we were nearly knocked out by... Cameroon. Germany was goooood, but again when we faced a top team we were out.
1996, started dire, 0-0 against the swiss, nearly beaten by scotland if they had scored their pen. Then just about beat Spain on pens. We had a very good game against a weak Dutch team. Then when we faced a very good team we went out.
We remember the final, usually tragic, games. Not the slow build up, the dire football. But now we will remember finals and being there.