England reaches first major final since 1966 after tense Euro 2020 victory over Denmark

England reached its first men’s major tournament final since winning the World Cup in 1966 after beating Denmark 2-1 at Euro 2020 in a gripping encounter on Wednesday at Wembley Stadium.

Gareth Southgate’s team had to come from behind to win and, as the match went into extra-time, a contentious penalty decided the match.
Raheem Sterling went down in the box under pressure from a melee of Denmark players and, after referee Danny Makkelie awarded the penalty, the decision was confirmed by VAR.
To add to the drama, Harry Kane’s spotkick was saved by Kasper Schmeichel, but the England striker pounced to score from the rebound.
Simon Kjaer’s own goal had canceled out Mikkel Damsgaard’s wonderful free-kick in the first half in a game that saw Denmark produce another gutsy performance that has typified their tournament, following Christian Eriksen’s collapse in the team’s opening match.
For England, the tie bore similarities to its last semifinal at a European Championship, against Germany in 1996. That too was played in front of a packed Wembley Stadium but the tie ended in very different circumstances.
Southgate was the man to miss the decisive penalty that night but, fast forward 25 years, and the 50-year-old has guided his country into its first European Championship final.
“I’m so proud of the players,” Southgate told the UEFA website. “It was an incredible occasion to be a part of. The fans were incredible all night.”
England will now face Italy in the final after the Azzurri beat Spain on penalties Tuesday.
Whilst the Italian side has looked imperious during Euro 2020, England will hope the home support at Wembley can inspire it to a historic victory on Sunday.