<P> The team began their qualifying campaign in September 2012, with an easy 5--0 win away in Moldova, before a hard - earned 1--1 draw at home to Ukraine, for which they trailed in most of the match only for a Frank Lampard penalty to rescue a point for England late on . In October 2012, England dispatched San Marino 5--0 at home, before drawing 1--1 away in Poland, in a match which was played a day late . This was after organisers failed to close the stadium roof in Warsaw, resulting in a waterlogged pitch . The calendar year for England ended with a 4--2 friendly defeat by Sweden in Stockholm, the first match to be played at the new Friends Arena . </P> <P> The year 2013 marked 150 years of the FA, and so a series a special friendly games were scheduled to play throughout the year . These were at home to Brazil in February, winning 2--1, and then away to Brazil in June, drawing 2--2, home to Republic of Ireland in May, drawing 1--1, home to Scotland in August, winning 3--2, which saw striker Ricky Lambert score on his England debut . The Republic of Ireland marked the introduction of another new home kit, with red being replaced by navy blue as the secondary colour, giving it a similar look to the late 2000s home kits . These kits were the first to be produced by American sports manufacturer Nike, ending a long term association with Umbro . </P> <P> England returned to qualifying action in March, with an 8--0 win in San Marino, and a 1--1 draw away to Montenegro . Then in September saw a win 4--0 at home to Moldova and a tame 0--0 draw in Kiev against Ukraine . Following a 4--1 win at home to Montenegro in October, Hodgson's side needed just one more win to qualify, which they did by beating Poland 2--0 at home, to secure their place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil . In November, however, England were given a reality check by Chile and Germany, with respective 2--0 and 1--0 defeats at Wembley . </P> <P> In the 2014 FIFA World Cup itself, they failed to get past the group stage, suffering defeats to Italy and Uruguay, both losing by a goal, and a 0--0 draw against Costa Rica . The Three Lions needed Italy to win their final two games in the group to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout stage, however England's hopes of progressing ended as Italy lost to Costa Rica 0--1 . </P>

When was the last time england were in the quarter