England Make it to The Finals of Euro 2020 after tough game against Denmark

England have made it to the finals of Euro 2020. This marks the first time The Three Lions have made it to the final of a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup, when they won. The semi-final against Denmark was hotly contested until extra-time. There were overwhelming expectations for England to progress but the Danes became everyone’s second team after Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest.

Gareth Southgate made one slight change to the starting lineup, playing Bukayo Saka instead of Jadon Sancho. This turned out to be a good decision as Saka ran at the Danish back three with intensity until he was taken off for Jack Grealish in the ‘69th minute.

The first 30 minutes was relatively even with both sides challenging the goalkeepers. However, in the ‘30th minute, Denmark was awarded a free kick at the edge of the box. Mikkel Damsgaard stepped up with great confidence and arched one over the wall, into the top corner to give the Danes the lead and time to dream. Damsgaard’s goal was the first goal England conceded and the first direct free kick scored in this Euros rendition.

Once you have the lead you have something to hold onto. England took this mantra into the proceeding minutes of the game. England, who had looked sluggish and lacking creativity for the early minutes turned up the intensity and began pressing high, stretching the play and seeking chances. Around the ‘37th minute the ball came loose to Saka who drove the ball across the Danish goal, unfortunately Raheem Sterling wasn’t able to capitalize on Saka’s work. England’s equalizer would finally come just 2 minutes later in an almost mirror situation. Bukayo Saka crossed the ball to Raheem Sterling but it was deflected into the goal by AC Milan defender Simon Kjaer, counting as a Danish own goal.

The rest of normal time featured an ever-more aggressive England side, pressing higher and prying more, along with a Danish side requiring fresh legs and defensive reinforcement. Denmark were notably tired and defending noticeably deep after their game in Baku against The Czech Republic. However, there was one bright spark for Denmark, Kasper Schmeichel. He faced an onslaught of shots, making 9 saves, including a penalty, over the course of the game. It was truly a world-class performance, drawing praise from many respected pundits in the scene.

As extra-time drew nearer, Denmark defended deeper, only making feeble counters that were, admittedly, few and far between. In the dying minutes of normal time, it was obvious which side were chasing the win and which were praying for a penalty shootout.

In extra-time, Denmark's game plan altered for the worst. Thier tired legs allowed England to run at them drawing fouls and unleashing shots. Denmark, who’s midfield had often looked better than their opponents for much of the game, lost their playmaking flow. Eventually, in the ‘104th minute, Raheem Sterling beat a few Danish defenders and drew a controversial penalty. The call featured brief contact on the winger’s left leg but was not overturned by VAR. Harry Kane stepped up to take the penalty with his usual lack of nerves. Given that he has netted 13 times against Schmeichel previously, it was clear who the odds favored. Kane went right, so did Schmeichel- penalty saved. Schmeichel’s save deflected right back into the path of Kane for a simple tap-in.

After that, Denmark turned up the intensity but to no avail. Their Euro 2020 hopes died right there, their story will live on. The Three Lions victory in this game marks the furthest they have made it in 19 major tournament attempts. Despite hosting the Euros in 1996, they have never progressed to the final, making semi-final appearances in 1968 and 1996. Southgate’s men have made it this far but will they be able to make football come home against Italy in the final?