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Nick Collins reflects on his favourite England moments ahead of 250th match

Nick Collins Wembley Sky Sports News
Image: Nick Collins has been reporting on England for 25 years

As Nick Collins prepares to cover his 250th England match, Sky Sports News HQ's chief football reporter reflects on his most memorable games...

It's taken 25 years, there's been a fair bit of heartache along the way, but I am about to cover my 250th England match for television.

So here are my five favourite England games, plus five more that were memorable experiences. And remember this is a personal choice, not a definitive list!

Five memorable games, in chronological order...

1) West Germany 1-1 England, July 1990

The 1990 World Cup semi-final showdown in Turin. I was behind the goal where the penalties took place. My abiding memory? Not Gazza's tears, but how unlucky Stuart Pearce was to see his spot-kick saved by a keeper who dived the wrong way.

2) England 4-1 Holland, June 1996

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A magical night at Wembley when everything seemed possible. Shearer and Sheringham in perfect harmony. The fans raising the roof. A truly joyous occasion as England reached the quarter-finals of Euro 96.

3) England 2-2 Argentina, June 1998

30 Jun 1998:  Michael Owen of England shrugs off Jose Chamot of Argentina on his way to goal during the World Cup second round match at the Stade Geoffroy
Image: Michael Owen scored a wonder goal against Argentina in 1998

A game that featured my all-time favourite England goal as Michael Owen put Glenn Hoddle's team 2-1 up. Those of us there will never forget it. Hoddle marshalled England superbly after David Beckham was sent off and but for a disallowed Sol Campbell goal it could have been glory, rather than another penalty shoot-out heartbreak.

4) Germany 1-5 England, September 2001

Ultimately a bit of a false dawn for England, but on the night it was utterly sensational! A goal down, then Michael Owen's hat-trick and Steven Gerrard's first goal for England had us rubbing our eyes in disbelief. Oh, and even Heskey scored (sorry, Emile).

5) Portugal 2-2 England, June 2004

Yet another 'if only' moment. This was the tournament that got away. England looked as good as any side at Euro 2004: Wayne Rooney was unstoppable, and but for his injury with the team 1-0 up, I truly believe England would have won this quarter-final, plus the semi and final.

Five amazing occasions

1) Turkey 0-0 England, October 2003

'Hostile' doesn't do justice to the atmosphere in Istanbul that night. England supporters were banned, while the Turkish fans were queuing up to go in 11 hours before kick-off. An heroic goalless draw which clinched qualification for Euro 2004.

2) Italy 2-1 England, June 2014

Italy were 2-1 winners over England at the World Cup this summer
Image: Italy defeated England in the Brazilian jungle at the World Cup

Despite the result, the Amazon jungle was one of the most unlikely places I have seen England play. Stifling temperatures, chaotic traffic and Mario Balotelli. Say no more!

3) China 0-3 England, May 1996

A chance to visit the Great Wall and film England players walking it. The first time in nearly 30 years two brothers had played in the same England team (Gary and Phil Neville) plus a unique Beijing atmosphere.

4) Kazakhstan 0-3 England, June 2009

Hard to believe a 'European' qualifier was being staged 200 miles from the Chinese border. Astana was an extraordinary place: a huge military presence at the game and England got the job done.

5) Azerbaijan 0-1 England, October 2004

On the shores of the Caspian Sea, Baku was known as 'the City of the Winds' - and it lived up to its reputation on matchday. Howling gales and torrential rain meant the game was in severe doubt. The elements relented just before kick-off, and England grabbed a narrow victory.

Many more games could easily have been included - perhaps I'll save them for my 300th. Here's hoping!

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