Sol Campbell could have been forgiven for waking up with that deja vu feeling after his harshly disallowed goal cost England a place in the Euro 2004 semi-finals.

England were ultimately beaten 6-5 on penalties by host nation Portugal as their appalling record in shoot-outs continued.

But that would not have taken place had referee Urs Meier decided to allow Campbell's headed effort in the final seconds of normal time.

His assistant, who had been perfectly placed, was already running back to the half-way line for the kick-off.

But the Swiss official took it upon himself to chalk off the goal for what could only have been the slightest of contact by John Terry against Portugal keeper Ricardo.

It was a mirror of the 1998 World Cup clash with Argentina when Campbell had another perfectly good goal disallowed as England also went out of that tournament on penalties after drawing 2-2.

Defender Gary Neville said: "Sol's goal was a goal. I don't think Sol was anywhere near the goalkeeper at the time he was penalised. I didn't think it was a foul. I don't think anyone in the stadium thought it was a foul other than the referee.

"I thought the referee wasn't the best. I don't think he was poor just towards us. I think he was a little bit petty at times."

Midfielder Frank Lampard said: "We didn't play at our best but we worked very hard to get back in the game and had a goal ruled out which was basically a fair goal.

"We all knew that at the time. It was taken away from us when it would have finished the game.

"I think the linesman was running back to the half-way line to give the goal but the referee decided not to give it when there was nothing wrong with it. That makes it even worse."

Defender Terry added: "People have said it was definitely not a foul and if that goes in and is allowed then we are through to the next stage.

"It's terrible. The linesman gave it but the ref overruled him. I think the keeper fouled his own player.

"We didn't get much luck with the referee. He wasn't great but there's no point in us coming out here and giving the ref loads of stick. We had chances to win the game and we didn't."

Neville could hardly contain his disappointment and admitted: "These are the sorts of games that if you get through them, you win major tournaments.

"Sadly we didn't get through it and our chance has gone. It is devastating and disappointing for everyone in England because everybody genuinely believed we could do it."