The 1990 FIFA World Cup held in Italy was a significant tournament for the England national football team. Here's an overview of their performance during that competition:

FIFA World Cup 1990:

• England entered the tournament with high expectations, aiming to replicate their success from previous World Cups. Managed by Bobby Robson, the team was led by captain Bryan Robson and featured notable players such as Gary Lineker, Peter Shilton, and Paul Gascoigne.

• Drawn into Group F, England faced the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, and Egypt in the group stage. They started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland, followed by another draw, this time 0-0 against the Netherlands. In their final group match, England secured a 1-0 victory over Egypt, with Mark Wright scoring the winning goal.

• Advancing to the Round of 16, England faced Belgium in a tightly contested match that ended in a 0-0 draw after extra time. England prevailed in the penalty shootout, winning 4-3 to advance to the quarterfinals.

• In the quarterfinals, England faced Cameroon in a thrilling encounter. Despite falling behind early, England fought back to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory, with Gary Lineker scoring twice to lead his team to victory.

• In the semifinals, England faced West Germany in a rematch of the memorable final from the 1966 World Cup. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Lineker scoring England's only goal. However, England suffered heartbreak in the penalty shootout, losing 4-3 to West Germany.

• England went on to face Italy in the third-place playoff, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat, finishing the tournament in fourth place.

Legacy:

• While England fell short of winning the World Cup in 1990, their performances showcased the team's talent and resilience on the international stage. Gary Lineker emerged as the tournament's top scorer with six goals, further enhancing his reputation as one of England's greatest strikers.

• The 1990 World Cup is remembered as one of England's most memorable campaigns, marked by dramatic matches and unforgettable moments. The team's run to the semifinals captured the imagination of football fans across England and inspired future generations of players.

• The experience gained from competing in the 1990 World Cup provided valuable lessons for English football, helping to shape the team's identity and tactics in subsequent tournaments.

Overall, the 1990 FIFA World Cup was a memorable chapter in the history of the England national football team, as they showcased their talent and passion on the world stage and left a lasting impact on the tournament.