ENGLAND reached their first final at a major men’s tournament since 1966 on Wednesday night with a a 2-1 extra-time win over Denmark.
Denmark, the surprise team of the tournament having overcome defeats in their first two matches and the near-death of their star player Christian Eriksen, stunned a packed Wembley Stadium by taking the lead through Mikkel Damsgaard, but Simon Kjaer’s own goal and Harry Kane’s extra-time strike handed the historic win to England.
Sampdoria youngster Damsgaard silenced the 60,000 fans inside Wembley in the 30th minute with a superb 25-yard free-kick that left Jordan Pickford flailing and well beaten.
It was the first goal England conceded at Euro 2020 and the first direct free-kick goal of the tournament.
England rallied back and drew level nine minutes later as Bukayo Saka’s low cross towards Raheen Sterling was turned in by Kjaer into the Danish net.
It was the 11th own goal of Euro 2020, two more than all previous European Championship finals combined.
In the second half, Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel made some excellent saves, including tipping Harry Maguire’s header away when it looked like a certain goal.
England piled on more pressure in extra-time with Kane and Jack Grealish going close, before Sterling went down in the penalty area under pressure from Joakim Mæhle and Mathias Jensen.
Referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot and, although replays showed minimal contact, Video Assistant Referee backed the decision.
Kane’s penalty in the 14th minute of extra-time was saved by Schmeichel but the Tottenham Hotspur striker pounced on the rebound to send Wembley into delirium as England reached their first major final since winning the 1966 World Cup on home soil.
The Three Lions will face Italy in the final on Sunday at Wembley Stadium, London.
