It’s 28 years since the last time an England team reached the World Cup semi-finals in 1990. Fans have been sharing their memories of Bobby Robson’s England team.

Then as now, excitement built steadily and the nation was on tenterhooks. Sir Bobby Robson’s team played heroically before finally going out to West Germany on penalties.

Fans around the area have been remembering 1990, including Chris Wright, who faced a dilemma on the big night.

He said: “I had a tough decision to make. Forego my ticket for the Rolling Stones Urban Jungle Tour at Wembley Stadium or stay at home and watch the game. In the event went to see the Stones and everyone bought along radios, so we were totally in touch with what was going on.

“Of course these days it would be possible to watch the game on the phone and be at the gig. Stones were great by the way.”

Tanya Anderson of Felixstowe said: “My husband was there too, penalties during Paint It Black, he seems to remember?”

Dave Sullivan of Colchester remembered the end of the match as “tears and heartbreak.”

However, despite the ultimate semi-final disappointment, there was enjoyment and excitement during the World Cup run. Cris Cooper picked the second-round match against Belgium as his highlight, recalling, “Platt’s winner v Belgium, pirouette volley, best goal ever.”

Michael Hughes of Ipswich enjoyed this moment too. He commented: “David Platt goal against Belgium, I spent the rest of the summer recreating it at every opportunity... still think it’s a world class goal.”

Tish Croydon of Woodbridge said: “I was 10 but remember my dad so happy. I was pregnant with my second in 90 and watched at home.

For Ally Leeks of Ipswich, the highlights were: “Nessun dorma and almost going out to Cameroon. Two penalties from Gary Lineker saved the day!”

Mark Smith of Ipswich also paid tribute to Lineker, saying, “He was so clinical ... and Gazza, his personality and genius.”

Mike Long commented, “What strikes me the most is the age of the players compared to today’s players, none of them look under 30.”

Journalist Paul Geater said, “I remember watching the World Cup semi-final in 1990. Even then the prospect of victory against West Germany seemed very remote (I was scarred by the 2-3 loss to them at Leon in the Mexico World Cup in 1970, which I saw as an 11-year-old).

“To be honest, I saw getting through to penalties as something of a triumph for England – although I still reckon we’d have beaten Argentina in the final if we’d got through.

“This time I’m not over-confident, but I’m a lot more hopeful about beating Croatia. If it goes to penalties, then there’s nothing to be scared of!”

See Mike Bacon’s memories of the semi-final and July 1990.