2004 England Away – Wayne Rooney #9 Large

The 2004 UEFA European Championship (Euro 2004) in Portugal was a memorable and bittersweet tournament for England’s national team.

• Group Stage (Group B):

  • France 2–1 England – England led through Lampard, but Zidane scored twice in stoppage time (a free kick and a penalty).

  • England 3–0 Switzerland – Wayne Rooney scored twice, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Euro history at the time.

  • England 4–2 Croatia – Rooney scored another brace in a commanding win.

  • England finished 2nd in the group, behind France.

• Quarterfinals: Faced host nation Portugal in a dramatic match that ended 2–2 after extra time. Rooney was injured and forced off early, a devastating blow. England lost 6–5 on penalties after misses from Beckham and Vassell.

• Result: Eliminated in the quarterfinals, though Rooney’s performances were the highlight of the tournament for England fans.

• Kit: The 2004 England away jersey, made by Umbro, was a striking red shirt with navy blue and white trim, featuring a centered crest. This away kit is remembered as the shirt Rooney wore during his breakout international tournament.

2. Player’s Impact – Wayne Rooney (Euro 2004)

Wayne Rooney, just 18 years old, announced himself as a global superstar at Euro 2004.

• Appearances: 4 matches.

• Statistics: 4 goals – joint second-highest scorer of the tournament.

• Key Moments:

  • Scored twice vs. Switzerland in a dominant display.

  • Added two more vs. Croatia, firing England into the knockout stage.

  • Was England’s most dangerous player against Portugal before leaving injured in the 27th minute, a turning point in the match and the tournament.

• Role: Played as a second striker alongside Michael Owen, combining explosive pace, physicality, and instinctive finishing.

• Legacy: Euro 2004 is widely regarded as the tournament where Rooney became a world-class player. His fearless performances against top opposition cemented his reputation as the future of English football.

3. Full Squad List – England Euro 2004

Manager: Sven-Göran Eriksson

Goalkeepers:

• David James (Manchester City)

• Paul Robinson (Leeds United)

• Ian Walker (Leicester City)

Defenders:

• Gary Neville (Manchester United)

• Ashley Cole (Arsenal)

• Sol Campbell (Arsenal)

• John Terry (Chelsea)

• Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur)

• Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)

• Phil Neville (Manchester United)

• Wayne Bridge (Chelsea)

Midfielders:

• David Beckham (Real Madrid, Captain)

• Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

• Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

• Paul Scholes (Manchester United)

• Nicky Butt (Manchester United)

• Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich)

• Kieron Dyer (Newcastle United)

Forwards:

• Wayne Rooney (Everton)

• Michael Owen (Liverpool)

• Darius Vassell (Aston Villa)

• Emile Heskey (Liverpool)