England beat Denmark 2-1 last night in the EUFA European Championships semi-final to reach the final of the competition.
An own-goal scored by Denmark captain Simon Kjaer and penalty from Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane propelled the team to victory in a game that went to extra-time.
The fixture was attended by more than 60,000 fans (estimated at 67,500); the biggest sporting attendance in the UK since the beginning of the pandemic.
The Match
Gareth Southgate recalled Arsenal teenager Bukayo Saka in the only change to the line-up that started in the 4-0 victory over Ukraine.
The game began frantically, with England dominating possession.
However, Denmark rallied in the absence of key player Christian Eriksen. The Inter Milan playmaker collapsed, suffering a cardiac arrest during the Danes’ opening tournament fixture, in which they lost 2-0 to Finland.
It was Denmark who struck first, with a phenomenal set-piece to break England’s clean sheet record. Luke Shaw conceded a free kick on the 28th minute.
Danish playmaker Mikkel Damssgaard stepped up and struck a sensational free-kick over the England wall and evading Jordan Pickford in goal.
It didn’t take long for England to bounce back. Shortly after missing a chance, a ball across the six-yard box from Saka almost found Raheem Sterling, with Denmark captain Simon Kjaer forced to turn the ball into his own net. 1-1.
Simon Kjaer's own goal and Harry Kane's extra-time winner means England will play Italy in the #Euro2020 final at Wembley on Sunday ????
???? Reaction ⤵️ #bbceuro2020 #ENGDEN #ENG
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 7, 2021
The teams went into half-time level.
Denmark came out brightly again in the second half, testing keeper Jordan Pickford on a couple of occasions.
Defender Harry Maguire also went close, a header saved by the fingertips of Kasper Schmeichel in the 54th minute.
Strong shouts for a penalty were waved away by the referee when Tottenham’s Harry Kane went down in the area around the 75th minute.
The last ten minutes saw England pile on the pressure, but they couldn’t break down a sturdy Danish backline.
Extra-Time
On we went to extra-time.
England’s pressure finally gave way. Raheem Sterling jinked into the box, brought down by three surrounding Danish bodies. The referee pointed to the spot, and England had a penalty.
Up stepped Spurs and England captain Harry Kane. His first attempt was saved by Schmeichel, but Kane confidently tucked away from the rebound. 2-1 to England.
If at first you don't succeed… ????@HKane's penalty is saved, but the skipper slots in the rebound and the #ThreeLions are ahead! pic.twitter.com/gihVhRGAw1
— England (@England) July 7, 2021
The second half of extra-time was a reverse of the first. Pressure came from Denmark’s forward line with the England defense holding strong.
But as full-time approached, England took possession once more and were relieved when Dutch referee Danny Makkelie blew the final whistle.
The final takes place on Sunday 11 July. Kick-off is at 20:00 at Wembley Stadium.
Could it finally be coming home?
