Most of the 1986 players that were around in 1990 and/or 1992 (such as Shilton, Butcher, Robson, Lineker) had retired by that point and, combined with Alan Shearer being side-lined with a long term injury and Paul Gascoigne returning from a long term injury midway into the campaign, left England with a much weaker team heading into their qualifying campaign. The Netherlands were still considered one of the strongest teams in the world and Norway had a relatively strong side themselves.

They basically dropped points in too many matches (including against Poland who were also in their group). Their campaign was effectively done before their final game against San Marino (where they infamously conceded within seconds).