England ended a 55-year wait to reach a major international final by defeating Denmark in a thunderous atmosphere at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate had said before the tournament that anything less than a semi final place would be a failure. Now his team are one win away from winning a first ever European Championship. This win characterized the mental strength of this English side as they came from behind to see off a fighting Denmark side.
It was also a barrier they hadn’t crossed for a long time, semi finals being the extent of England’s endeavour in tournaments since their 1966 triumph. But this is a team now known for overcoming those hurdles of the past. English fans will be hoping they can overcome in the final.
England did start the game sharply, but this was to be a test of nerves more than skill for the Three Lions. They were stunned when Mikkel Damsgaard scored a magnificent free kick to put the Danes ahead in the 30th minute. This was the first goal England had conceded at the Euro 2020. But they responded immediately.
Bukayo Saka played in a dangerous low cross for Raheem Sterling which was turned into the net by Simon Kjaer on 39 minutes. England continued to press forward and created quite a few chances. Harry Kane and Harry Maguire both were denied by the excellent Peter Schmeichel who kept Denmark in the game as the tie went into extra time.
The biggest moment in England’s recent football history came when Raheem Sterling went down under challenge from Joakim Maehle. Although the contact was minimal, a penalty was awarded after a VAR check on 103 minutes. Harry Kane then saw the spot kick saved by Schmeichel- but he scored from the rebound. England would then comfortably hold on to secure a place in the final against Italy.
Denmark hold their head high.
Denmark players were in tears at the final whistle, which speaks volumes about the expectations they had in this game. Those expectations were truly justified when the took the lead through Damsgaard’s free kick. Ever since those terrible opening game scene’s of Christain Eriksen’s cardiac arrest, they have been relentless in their pursuit of glory.
They had played some of the best football in the tournament and were a credit to this event. They made things difficult for England on a night and made them earn their win. Losing out to a rebound penalty kick will hur them. But what Denmark achieved at Euro 2020 goes beyond any football game, any piece of silverware and will be remembered for ages.
England’s date with destiny.
It is what generations of English fans have waited for, a tournament final. A chance to bring football home at the home of football. This win will only add to the growing belie they can win Euro 2020. Belief is what England have lacked for years, but now they are gushing with it.
On Sunday it will be their own people, their own stadium and a chance to go from heroes to legends. A chance to be etched in the folklore of English football forever. A chance to inspire a generation. Wembley awaits.
