Only one spot remains with one decided for the Euro 2020 final. After almost a month the tournament reaches its penultimate game.
This is the preview of the second semi final of Euro 2020 scheduled for tonight.
England v Denmark
TIMING:
The semi final kicks off at 12:30 am Thursday, July 7.
HOW TO WATCH:
The game will be telecasted live on Sony Network channels, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and streamed on Jio Tv.
England
After so many years of hurt, agony and embarrassing exits, England are in their second successive tournament semi final. This time they are at home and with a squad matured from their experience in Russia as they looking to reach a first major final since 1966. Gareth Southgate has moulded this side with confidence and belief and the ghosts of past being slayed.
They had never won the opening game of Euros before their win against Croatia at this event. They hadn’t beaten Germany in a knockout tie for 55 years until their win in the round of 16. Now they have another milestone to achieve as they have never reached a Euro final.
They begin their semi final game as the only side yet to concede a goal at the Euros this term. The team looks assured with or without the ball and finally playing with an identity. Although many will point to the clean sheet record so far, the Three Lions showed their attacking intent with a 4 goal demolition of Ukraine.
For the first time the English optimism maybe rightly placed. They have the players who can turn the game in the blink of an eye. A manager who can put no wrong foot, getting his tactis spot on every time so far. And to add they will be playing at Wembley, their home backed by a passionate fan base. This is their biggest chance to make the final in ages.
Players to watch:
Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Jack Grealish.
Recent Euro Form:
W, D, W, W, W.
Denmark
After a tragic beginning to the Euros Denmark’s run has become memorable for all the right reasons. Carrying on after the cardiac arrest of Christain Eriksen, the Danes have stormed to the semis of the tournament. Their coach Kasper Hjulmand had the difficult task of picking up an emotionally hurt side. Since that opening game incident, they have thrashed Russia, blew away Wales in the last 16 and overcame Czech Republic in the quarter finals. This run has got fans dreaming of a repeat of the 1992 triumph and rightly so.
Already this side has scored the most number of goals ever by a Danish team at a major tournament (11). Their blistering attack offers them plenty hope heading into their biggest game in a generation. They have a bit of recent history on their side as they beat England in last year’s Nations League and also managed to hold to a draw before that.
There is no shortage of inspiration for the Danes, from the miracle of 1992 to Christain Eriksen they are going to are riding a wave of emotion and inspiration. Danish players know that this is a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase what they are capable of. With the way the tournament has gone so far, the tag of favourites, form matter little at in a knockout game, as seen with France.
Denmark will leave everything on the pitch that is for sure like they did in their win against Czech Republic in the quarters. Having played some scintillating stuff, their manager will pushing them tp make one more big effort for their incredible fans and Eriksen, knowing that a win offers them a chance to etch their name in history forever.
Players to watch:
Kasper Dolberg, Yussuf Poulsen and Mikkel Damsgaard.
Recent Euro Form:
L, L, W, W, W.
PREDICTION
England will be slight favourites going into this Euro 2020 semi final. However, Denmark will punish any complacency from the Three Lions. They have an attack that will likely keep England’s defence busy throughout the game. It will be an intense tight affair that may just suit England, who will backed by a majority English crowd at Wembley. Denmark will be confident of writing their own fairytale and ruin England’s homecoming, given their efforts thus far. For England will have to be at their best from their defence, which has been remarkable to their attack. A perfect performance is needed if England want to return to the home of football to try and ‘bring it home’.
Prediction : England 2-1 Denmark.