England beat Denmark to end 55-year wait and set up Euro 2020 final vs Italy

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England have reached a first major final in 55 years after seeing off Denmark at Wembley.

The Three Lions came from behind to set up a historic clash with Italy, with Simon Kjaer's own-goal cancelling out Mikkel Damsgaard's brilliant free-kick in the first half before Harry Kane scored in extra-time.

The forward line of Kane, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling combined to force Kjaer's error, with the latter waiting to pounce as the Denmark captain turned the ball into his own net.

England had the momentum and a 67,500-strong crowd willing them on, but they were unable to find a winner in the second half as the game went to extra-time.

Denmark looked increasingly tired as the match wore on, and England were able to capitalise as Sterling weaved between two men in red to draw a penalty in the first half of the added 30 minutes.

Kane stepped up to take the spot kick and saw his initial effort saved by Schmeichel, but he was able to fire the rebound beyond the Leicester City shot-stopper to send Wembley into frenzy.

England had little trouble seeing out the closing stages after Gareth Southgate took of Jack Grealish - who was only introduced in the second half - in favour of another defender in Kieran Trippier.

Speaking at full-time, Southgate said: "I'm so proud of the players. An incredible occasion to be a part of.

"The fans were incredible all night, we knew it wouldn't be straight forward.

"The game in Rome was so straight forward, we said to the players we'll have to at some point show resilience and come back from some setbacks."

Captain Kane admitted that it was "one of the proudest moments" of his life.

Who will emerge victorious as England and Italy face off at Wembley? Have your say in the comments.

Now, standing in England's way as they search for a first European Championship triumph, are Italy, who are unbeaten in 33 games.

The Azzurri reached the final in equally-dramatic fashion on Tuesday night by as Roberto Mancini's men edged out Spain in a penalty shootout after 120 minutes of thrilling action.

But the prospect of Italy could wait for an hour or two after the full-time whistle, which was met with emphatic celebrations from players and fans at Wembley, with bellows of "It's Coming Home" ringing around the ground.

An emotional Ian Wright admitted he was "overwhelmed" as England won their first semi-final since beating Portugal in 1966.

The former Three Lions striker singled out Sterling for praise, saying he was "the difference" on the night.

Fellow pundit Gary Neville told ITV Sport the crowd was "mesmerised" by the crowd and heaped praise on Southgate for his humility.

Neville and Wright then joined in as Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline - which has been adopted as England's unofficial Euro 2020 anthem - came on the speaker system.

Paul Gascoigne was pictured celebrating the victory, while the penalty won by Sterling proved to be a point of controversy on the pundits' desk.

Roy Keane insisted Sterling was not fouled and Neville acknowledged it was a "soft" decision, but Wright believed the Manchester City star was well within his right to go down after slight contact on his right leg.

Wright said: “There was a bit of luck with the way it came about, but all the years waiting, maybe that’s the luck. I’ve been dreaming of this day and now it’s come, I can’t believe it’s here.

“Raheem Sterling has attacked this tournament. I believe he was the difference, I am delighted for him, Gareth and the whole country.

"I am speechless because I want England to win something in my lifetime.”

Neville quickly praised the England players and Southgate... while taking a pointed swipe at Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Gary Neville said: “We’ve never done this before in our lifetimes. These lads have to focus but we don’t have to.

"This country is bouncing, national holiday, enjoy yourselves!”

Neville added: “The standard of leaders in this country the past couple of years has been poor, looking at that man (Southgate), he’s everything a leader should be, respectful, humble, he tells the truth.”

Sterling told ITV: “It was a top performance – we had to dig in deep after the first goal we conceded in the tournament, and we regrouped well and showed a good team spirit to come back and win the game.

“It was difficult going behind but we knew we had to stay patient – we knew with the legs we’ve got, the aggressiveness and the power we have in the team, it would be a matter of time before we broke them down.”

Unsurprisingly Sterling defended the penalty decision in his favour, adding: “I went into the box and he stuck his right leg out, and it touched my leg so it was a clear penalty.”

Despite the celebrations at Wembley, Sterling insisted the focus would almost immediately shift to the final against Italy.

“It’s another step in the right direction,” he added. “But once we’re back in the dressing room it’s over and we’ve got to focus on the weekend now. It’s step-by-step and that’s all we can do.”

Gary Lineker was mightily impressed with Sterling's display.

Taking to Twitter, the ex-England striker and BBC presenter declared: "There were some superb performances.

"All the back 4 were outstanding, and as for Sterling, well, that was one of the greatest displays I’ve seen from a player in an England shirt. Stunning."

Richard Masters, the chief executive of the Premier League, said: “Congratulations to the England team on making the Euro 2020 final – England’s first and a fantastic moment for the whole country.

“The players, Gareth Southgate and his coaching staff deserve great credit for their progression on the international stage over the last five years. They have captured the imagination of the nation.

“Everyone at The FA, especially St George’s Park, has done a brilliant job despite the many challenges of COVID-19. We are proud to see England players remind everyone that our football is among the best in the world.

“It’s great there will be thousands of England fans back at Wembley on Sunday cheering the team on to go one step further. I can’t wait!”

After the game, Harry Maguire led England players' jubilant post-match tweets, declaring: “Stuff dreams are made of. One more game to go.”

Grealish tweeted: “I love this team!! What a night at Wembley! #EURO2020 final.”

And Declan Rice added: “Proud to be apart of this team. One more push. We will give it everything”.

nofxgvn91 on July 8th, 2021 at 00:47 UTC »

Just saw the video of someone flashing a green laser at the danish goalie during that pk

2_Sheds_Jackson on July 7th, 2021 at 22:29 UTC »

Did anyone notice the second ball on the field when Sterling made the run that ended up with the penalty? I never heard it mentioned so perhaps it was a balloon?

macknbang on July 7th, 2021 at 21:48 UTC »

Denmark hard done by the penalty.

England weren't at their imperious best but they still had most of the match under control.