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England have faced World Cup host nations on three separate occasions across different editions of the tournament.

Earlier this evening, England narrowly overcame DR Congo with a 2-1 victory, thanks to a remarkable late double from Harry Kane in the final quarter of an hour.

Following that triumph, the Three Lions are set to travel to Mexico City, where they will take on Mexico in what is considered one of the most daunting venues of the 2026 World Cup.

As co-hosts, Javier Aguirre's Mexican side have been in dominant form this tournament, scoring eight goals, conceding none, and winning all four of their matches. But the question remains — have England ever managed to defeat a host nation during their own World Cup campaign?

There are three previous encounters to examine when assessing whether England possess the ability to overcome a World Cup host on their home soil.

The most recent meeting came in 1990, a match that some regard as significant, while others view it as a mere formality.

That fixture was against hosts Italy in the third-place playoff, where England lost 2-1.

The game came alive after the 70th minute, with the score still goalless. Roberto Baggio put Italy ahead, David Platt equalised for England, and Salvatore Schillaci sealed the win for Italy with an 86th-minute penalty.

Prior to that, England’s previous meeting with a host nation came in 1982 against Spain, which ended more positively — a 0-0 draw.

In that encounter, the Three Lions dominated proceedings, forcing Spanish captain Luis Arconada into seven crucial saves throughout the match.

However, going back further to the 1954 World Cup, England supporters can find a rare moment of success.

Facing hosts Switzerland, England managed a 2-0 victory with goals from Jimmy Mullen and Dennis Wilshaw.

Under manager Walter Winterbottom, that 1954 side proved that England can indeed beat a World Cup host — though it has happened only once in history.

Thomas Tuchel’s current England squad will meet Mexico on 5 July, aiming to become the first Three Lions team in more than seven decades to defeat a host nation at their own tournament.