55-year’s wait of England for the major men’s final has finally come to an end after their win over Denmark at Euro 2020, on a night of nerve-shredding courage and unconditional excitement at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate’s side was on the mission of traveling the distance ahead of any England team they had made since winning the 1966 World Cup against West Germany. They eventually secured the long-awaited goal as they came from behind to win in extra time.
In front of 66,000 fans and in a heated, thunderous atmosphere of events, the new Wembley never faced before. England battled their way out of trouble to secure a meeting with Italy in the final of Euro Cup at the same venue on Sunday (20:00 BST).
They had to fight for victory against the opposing players. The latter had a keen goalkeeper in Kasper Schmeichel, especially after conceding their first tournament goal to Mikkel Damsgaard‘s stunning free-kick after 30 minutes.
But they responded quickly as Danmark captain Simon Kjaer responded to Bukayo Saka’s threatening game six minutes before the break.
Schmeichel was Denmark’s hero as the hosts sought the winner, presenting a brilliant save from Harry Maguire and Harry Kane as the game went into extra time and the prospect of a penalty was high.
The long-awaited moment for England with Kane’s Score.
The long-awaited time for the nation to arrive well with Wembley’s big screen showing 103 minutes and captain Kane was standing on penalties after Joakim Maehle fouled Raheem Sterling.
However, Denmark was not happy with the decision, which the VAR tested. And in line with England’s long and difficult history, it was inconceivable that Kane, who used to ice-cool, saw the terrible penalty saved by Schmeichel but a fall back on his feet to score.
Kane has now equalized to Gary Lineker’s record of England’s ten goals in major tournaments.
Wembley went crazy with loud noise and wild festivals. And, after all the years of hurt, England has a golden opportunity of finally taking the major crown.
England passes the test of nerve.
On a memorable night, England answered two very important questions that surrounded them.
With all the promise and progress since the tragic disappointment of the 2018 World Cup semi-finals in Moscow. The players and manager need to prove they can overcome an insurmountable obstacle for them and their predecessors after appearing in the last four World Cup losses and Euro 96.
This was an acid test at least before Sunday’s crucial final against Italy. And they brought the goods not only to the context of Euro 2020 but also to show their character and sense of the big game.
England advanced to the semi-finals with a wave of anticipation and hope after the last-16 victory over Germany at Wembley, followed by a 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine in the quarter-finals in Rome.
And they faced a test of their nerves when they fell back on this fine Danish team, kicking Damsgaard’s free-kick for the first goal Jordan Pickford had allowed in England in 721 minutes.
England was busy at the time, but the response was full of belief, equalizing quickly and taking the reins before the Danes got tired of the magnificent Schmeichel and were eventually defeated by Kane’s winner.
The Southgate team has crossed the line, and no England team has done more than that since Sir Alf Ramsey won the World Cup. Now we are waiting to see if it will give them the confidence and belief to remove the last hurdle.
Southgate’s heavy guns explode England in the final.
As Southgate will be looking for them, England’s top players have made their impact where it is most important on a night when failure would be hard to bear.
England’s captain Harry Kane, who struggled to qualify for Euro 2020 during the group stage, rode his lucky goal to score his fourth and most important tournament goal after his missed penalty. But his performance was full of strength and menace.
He is back to his best and how England will need that against the two great Italian defending champions Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. They have the quality and ingenuity of the road shown in their combined 70 years.
Sterling continued his fine run, which was reflected in the run that made it a point to win the game in England. Beating the heart of Denmark’s outstanding defense until he finally drew a significant mistake.
And Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, who doubts the injury that didn’t even start the tournament, has now returned to Southgate’s role looking for a defensive leader. The strength and power that always exist on the one hand and the other’s restrictions.
However, once the euphoria has died down, and England’s heroes clear their heads ahead. And they must go above and beyond the call of duty once more.
Beaten Denmark can hold its head up.
There were tears in the eyes of the Danish players as the last whistle blew at their Euro 2020 campaign. The one began with the heartbreaking cardiac arrest of Christian Eriksen in their opening match against Finland. And then a huge credit to coach Kapser Hjulmand and his team.
Denmark had the spirit of a determined team as Eriksen was thankful for the continuation of his recovery. But they were not only motivated by emotions. This was a quality team, and they fully deserved to reach the last four.
As they applauded their fans at the final whistle. And their colorful fans gave Denmark the great joy that they deserved.
And Denmark has made this a very difficult night for England. But they may have cursed the failure to defend their lead in the break against opponents on the ropes as they continued.
This was a cold night for coach Hjulmand and his team. But they have won Euro 2020 for their strength, unity, and play.
