England hit high notes to down Netherlands in EURO 96 Group A

England surged into the EURO 96 quarter-finals with a memorable 4-1 defeat of the Netherlands at Wembley.

Alan Shearer scored twice, with Teddy Sheringham also on target twice, as England turned in one of their finest team performances.

The result means that England progress to the knockout stages as Group A winners, with the Netherlands joining them as runners-up on goal difference, at the expense of Scotland.

England made a bright start and took the lead after 23 minutes when Patrick Kluivert was adjudged to have fouled Shearer in the penalty area. Shearer stepped up to convert the spot-kick himself.

Sheringham doubled England's lead just five minutes later, finishing off a flowing move involving Shearer and Steve McManaman. Shearer then made it 3-0 in the 57th minute, heading home a cross from David Beckham.

Kluivert pulled a goal back for the Netherlands with 12 minutes remaining, but Sheringham sealed the victory with a fourth goal for England in the dying minutes.

The victory was a fitting end to an impressive campaign in Group A for England, and Terry Venables' side will be confident of going far in the tournament.