Switzerland 1954: lost 4-2 to Uruguay
England made their second World Cup appearance in the year postwar rationing finally ended and life was beginning to improve back home. They weren’t particularly impressive but exited with their heads held high after producing their best performance of the tournament against the reigning champions. Nat Lofthouse and Tom Finney got England’s goals but Javier Ambrois snuffed out their hopes of a thrilling fightback six minutes from time. Gil Merrick’s errors in goal proved crucial and he never played for his country again.
