This is a substantial work of some 50,000 words and over 150 illustrations, from both professional archives and private collections. It follows the history of the England football team from the 'Gentlemen of England' in the nineteenth century to the European Championships in 2000 with Shearer, Owen et al. Although there have been books dealing with the national side, this publication is of special interest as it explores the early years in depth and represents a serious and well-researched history on a subject that is all too often given superficial treatment.