<P> England are the only team not representing a sovereign state to win the World Cup, which they did in 1966 when they hosted the finals . They defeated West Germany 4--2 after extra time to win the World Cup title . Since then, they have generally reached the knockout stages of almost every competition they have qualified for, including a fourth - place finish in the 1990 and 2018 World Cups . At the world cup, England have had more goalless draws than any other team . </P> <P> England's first qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup doubled as the 1950 British Home Championship . The series kicked off for England on 15 October 1949 at Ninian Park, Cardiff, against Wales . Stan Mortensen gave England the lead after twenty two minutes, and just seven minutes later, Jackie Milburn doubled the lead . This was the first goal of Milburn's hat trick, which left England 4--0 up with 20 minutes to play . Mal Griffiths scored a consolation goal for Wales ten minutes from time, but England held on for a comfortable victory . </P> <P> A month later, England welcomed Ireland to Maine Road, and it began well for the home side as Jack Rowley scored inside six minutes . England were already 6--0 up, thanks to Jack Froggatt, two for Stan Pearson, Stan Mortensen and a second from Rowley, by the time Ireland struck back through Samuel Smyth after 55 minutes . Rowley added a third and a fourth to his tally in the three minutes following Smyth's goal, however, leaving the score at 8--1 at the hour mark . The frantic scoring rate calmed down after that, with only one apeice before the final whistle, with Stan Pearson completing his brace for England's ninth, and Bobby Brennan scoring for Ireland . </P> <P> It was not until May 1950 that England travelled to Hampden Park to face Scotland, who were also undefeated after their games against Ireland and Wales . With the top two from the group qualifying, both teams were guaranteed progression to the finals, and the game was solely for the honour of winning the British Home Championship, and the seeding advantage to be enjoyed upon reaching Brazil . A solitary goal from Roy Bentley gave England the victory, the title and the top spot in the group . </P>

Who played for england in the world cup