Matchday LIVE: England vs Denmark updates, news and TV reaction

No need to pinch yourselves, England fans - you are not dreaming. The Three Lions are finally - finally! - back in a major tournament final. Three years after they fell short in Russia, Gareth Southgate's side have made history to reach the Euro 2020 Final, on home turf no less, against Italy at Wembley on Sunday. Would you be anywhere else in the world? We'll be here all the way - and until then, we'll bid you a very good night. Remember - love's got the world in motion, for the first time in half-a-century. Don't you dare miss it.

Thank you and good night!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇮🇹🆚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🥳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/DnuyiieJt2">pic.twitter.com/DnuyiieJt2</a>— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/EURO2020/status/1412899981867069442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Next time out...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The scenes in London right now! 🚌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yc9g1E80gy">pic.twitter.com/Yc9g1E80gy</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1412902345697120256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Celebrations go wild

It's a doubly special night for Declan Rice - he's just become an uncle, as he tells BBC Radio 5Live! "My brother has literally had a baby, as the second goal went in," he gushes.&nbsp;"He's crying his eyes out, he's had a little girl. It's a special night all round." "A first final since 1966. I so want to do it for the people at home. Seeing the reactions - I'm a fan as well. I wish I was with them cheering.&nbsp;We've not won anything yet. Italy are a top side but we're ready."

Rice: My emotions are all over the place

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS! 😍 <a href="https://t.co/ntxbbqawL6">pic.twitter.com/ntxbbqawL6</a> — England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1412896249322385412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is how it feels

Wembley has mostly been emptied now, but England's players remain, kept apart from their families due to Covid-19 rules, but still chatting away. Jack Grealish is sprawled across a&nbsp;tarpaulin, looking every inch the&nbsp;nonchalant figure. His switch looks to have been tactical more than anything else this evening, a desire to bring on a player who would prove more experienced at tracking back in defence once Kane had found the eventual winner. He will naturally be a little frustrated, but this England team's collective spirit seems to trump all. There's a very good chance he'll get off the bench on Sunday at Wembley.

Grealish nonchalant after roundabout swap

Harry Kane hasn't stopped smiling since the full-time whistle went. He's going to have serious jawache in the morning if he's not careful, but he won't be bothered. "This is right up there in my career," he tells ITV, breathless. "First time in our history getting through to a European final, at Wembley. "One of the proudest moments of my life, for sure. But we haven’t won it yet, we’ve got one more to go.”

Kane hails "proudest moment"

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kalvin Phillips keeps his late grandmother close to his heart ♥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/j1aJHpPfFc">pic.twitter.com/j1aJHpPfFc</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1412896466524323844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A fitting tribute

Some final words from Gareth Southgate, who must be attempting to stay firmly on the ground instead of floating up to the Wembley arch, with ITV: “We’re in a final, we’ve got to enjoy that fact, but there is one more massive hurdle to try and conquer. "Italy are a very good side, they have really shown outstanding form, have defensive warriors at the back, it’s going to be a great game to look forward to. "We’ve had three memorable games on the bounce. We said we wanted to create memories for our nation, now we’ve got to finish the job. Finals are there to be won, we’ve got to regroup, repair and recover because tonight has taken a lot emotionally and physically.”

Southgate offers final words

Even more from Gareth Southgate now, who tells ITV:&nbsp; “I felt we would get over the line but knew we would have different sorts of battles. Denmark are so underrated as a team; they did cause us a lot of problems. "When you have waited as long as we have to get through a semi-final, given the limited amount of international experience some of the players have, they have done an incredible job.

Southgate pays tribute to downed Denmark

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">One piece of history achieved, but another huge one still to be made. Tonight, though, we celebrate! 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/cwX2ou63m9">pic.twitter.com/cwX2ou63m9</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1412893633573961732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

No job done

The last time England were in a major semi-final, three years ago, they saw an early lead pegged back before they were sunk in extra-time in Russia by Croatia. Tonight, they managed the reverse, battling back to claim victory in the space of two full hours. Gareth Southgate feels it makes amends for their shortfall, telling ITV:&nbsp;"The most pleasing thing is that we’ve given our fans and nation a fantastic night, and the journey carries on for another four days. For the team to come through this sort of a night, we suffered in Moscow on a night like this, we managed to put that right.”&nbsp;

Southgate: Moscow ghosts laid to rest

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Not much else to say about this group!! We kept fighting till the end. One more game to go! 🦁 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Uu5Z1AoAIR">pic.twitter.com/Uu5Z1AoAIR</a>— Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) <a href="https://twitter.com/JHenderson/status/1412895523359571968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Henderson almost lost for words

More from Gareth Southgate, who has admitted that he has not seen the incident where Raheem Sterling won that decisive penalty since it happened, though he pays tribute to both goalscorer Harry Kane and goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel,&nbsp; “I haven’t seen the penalty again, but I thought Raheem Sterling was a thorn in their side all night," he tells ITV. "Frankly there is nobody you would rather have on a penalty than Harry Kane, but he was up against a great goalkeeper. Thankfully that is now immaterial.”

Southgate: I haven't seen penalty call

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">3 - Jack Grealish is the third England player to be both subbed on and subbed off in a match at a major tournament, after Jamie Redknapp (vs Scotland in EURO 1996) and Aaron Lennon (vs Portugal in the 2006 World Cup). Roundabouts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGDEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGDEN</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1412884848012845064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Grealish in-and-out a rare occurrence

Gareth Southgate's redemption song is arguably complete now, isn't it? He's gone further in a major tournament as a manager than a player - he has dismissed the ghosts of Euro 1996 tonight. He's hailed his side for their efforts this evening, telling ITV:&nbsp;"I’m so proud of the players. It’s an incredible occasion to be a part of, the fans were incredible all night. "It wasn’t going to be straightforward, like the game the other night in Rome was, but we told the players that they would have to show resilience and come back from some setbacks, and we did that tonight."

Southgate full of pride in players

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">So good. So good. So good. <a href="https://t.co/wL3VXfjUli">pic.twitter.com/wL3VXfjUli</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1412891967135092749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So good

Denmark protested that spot-kick furiously but Raheem Sterling has absolutely no complaints - he thinks it was a fair call (and is any Englishman going to argue otherwise?) “It was definitely a penalty, I went into the box, he stuck his leg out and it was a clear penalty," he tells ITV. “This is another step in the right direction. Once we step back in the dressing room it’s all over, we have to focus on the weekend now, it’s step by step, that’s what we need to do.”

Sterling: It was a penalty!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">They stood up in the face of disaster and won the hearts of the world. An act of team spirit seen never before. Denmark may be out but they did their nation proud.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/B2dMoY5fJE">pic.twitter.com/B2dMoY5fJE</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1412890235633999873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Denmark leave with heads held high

The crowd at Wembley will be moved on soon enough, and it is only right that England should soak in this moment in time, one they would surely love to freeze. But there's still one more game to go, a final test that will make or break how this tournament is remembered in the history books. They will have another final on home soil, 55 years on from their last - and this time, it will be Italy who stand in their way. History beckons for both the Three Lions and the Azzurri.

Home or Rome?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sterling 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/englandvdenmark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#englandvdenmark</a>— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) <a href="https://twitter.com/Carra23/status/1412888073994657792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Carragher hails Sterling impact

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gareth Southgate appreciation post.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/9GrfSZC3fz">pic.twitter.com/9GrfSZC3fz</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1412890186678218756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Southgate, you're the one

As Declan Rice rides Harry Maguire around Wembley like a cowboy, Kasper&nbsp;Hjulmand leads his players over to applaud the Denmark fans who have made the journey. From where they started - torn apart on the turf of Copenhagen, rocked by the tragedy of Christian Eriksen's collapse - they have come within a whisker of completing a fairytale run here. They had to play part of that second half of extra-time with 10 men due to injury too. Kasper Schmeichel consoles his team-mates. He has been a giant in this game - and it is so harsh that he must be on the losing side.

Despair as Danish dream falls short

England's players, their squad, their staff - they are all in a line together, in front of their fans, jumping up and down and bellowing Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline together. Gareth Southgate punches the air. He will urge caution, surely, to his side. He will warn them that this is far from over. But whatever happens on Sunday night, he has made history here. England, back in the final of a major men's football tournament for the first time since they won the World Cup.

Sweet Caroline

Could it be...?

Harry Kane's beaming smile could power a whole city right now. It's powering a nation, no less - his winning finish, knocking in Kasper Schmeichel's save from his own penalty - has put England into the final of a major tournament. England's players have mobbed the pitch. Denmark's men are have dropped to their knees. Gareth Southgate and&nbsp;Kasper Hjulmand shake hands, before the former wheels away to celebrate with his staff. It's official - the Three Lions will play Italy to decide who will be crowned European Championship winners on Sunday.

ENGLAND BEAT DENMARK TO REACH EURO 2020 FINAL

THEY'VE DONE IT! ENGLAND HAVE DONE IT! The Three Lions are heading to the final fo Euro 2020! Drink it in. They haven't seen scenes like this for half-a-century in these parts! England reach their first major tournament final for 55 years with a battling extra-time victory over a&nbsp;resilient Denmark side. They were asked the biggest question of their summer so far - and they answered it with half-an-hour of extra-time drama at Wembley Stadium. Devastation for the Danish Dynamite. Triumph for the Three Lions. It is a night that will live in sporting legend for both nations.

ETFT: England 2-1 Denmark

Raheem Sterling has carried the ball superbly tonight - and he does so again, pushing hard down the right edge now, taking it as close as he can to Schmeichel before the keeper parries it away. England will hold it in the corner now, surely.

One added minute

There's no air at Wembley - it has been sucked clean out, the tension is that taut. But England have brought the ball back under control and are holding it deep in midfield, pressing into Denmark's rear corners when they can. Both sides look spent. Time is running out for a Danish miracle.

England retain possession

Truly perilous times for England now, their backs to the party of Danish fans who have made the trip to Wembley today. Moments after Raheem Sterling embarks on a brilliant run to ease the pressure on the hosts, the visitors are straight back down the other end and snap up a corner after Pickford tips a deflected ball around his post. It's a clean header away by the Three Lions at the back.

Denmark force corner

The nerves are getting to Jordan Pickford - his distribution has taken a dive since the whistle went. He slices two consecutive clearing efforts straight out for throw-ins - and both of them far closer than England would want. Those last changes from both sides have twisted the dimension of this match - now it is Denmark camped deep in opposition territory, pressing and prodding as they look to get through. Luke Shaw somehow gets everywhere in defence and keeps the lines clear.

Pickford faltering under pressure

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">10 - Harry Kane is now England's joint-highest goalscorer in major tournaments (EUROs/World Cup), moving level with Gary Lineker on 10 goals. Rebound. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGDEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGDEN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cp94XPPiyU">pic.twitter.com/Cp94XPPiyU</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1412882470035460100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Record-breaker, history-maker

For the final quarter-hour of this Euro 2020 semi-final, we are underway for the final time this evening. England have made a change - but whether it is tactical or enforced is another matter.&nbsp;Kieran Trippier is on to shore up the defence - and Jack Grealish, himself only brought on in the second half, is on. Kasper Hjulmand's men have nobody else to bring on. What do they have up their sleeve?

Back underway

Referee&nbsp;Danny Makkelie blows - and England have just a quarter-hour to survive to reach a first major tournament final since 1966. Harry Kane's lashed follow-up, after Kasper Schmeichel saved his penalty kick, has put the Three Lions ahead at Wembley. Denmark need a goal to stay in Euro 2020. A huge 15 minutes or so awaits, in the sporting history of these two nations.

EXHT: England 2-1 Denmark

First, it was England's game to chase. Now, Denmark have it all to do across what's left here, plus the second half of extra-time. They've made a change - and it is an attacking one. Defender&nbsp;Vestergaard is off for their final swap of the night and forward Jonas Wind is on.

Three added minutes incoming

Kasper Schmeichel saves - but Harry Kane smashes in the rebound! That is a dreadful penalty from the England skipper, the sort that you would make you a pariah in a shootout - but the Denmark keeper cannot keep hold of his stop, as he reads it perfectly and dives left to the right post. Kane is there, looming straight back down and lashes it in at the opposite side. Wembley erupts in pure pandemonium. For the first time, after a hundred minutes of football in this game, the Three Lions lead.

GOAL: England 2-1 Denmark

Raheem Sterling is down - and referee&nbsp;Danny Makkelie points to the spot!&nbsp; VAR will have a look, because it has to, but there's just enough contact from Daniel Wass to justify the call. This is a huge moment in the game. Harry Kane will step up, of course. Can he be the one to finally break the deadlock for the Three Lions?

Penalty to England!

Vestergaard dips his head to block Henderson's cross as the Liverpool man roars through on the right flank. Foden sees his delivery muscled away by Daniel Wass. England have not enjoyed the purchase with set-pieces that Denmark have this evening, but virtually none of this opening period of extra-time has been played inside their own half. They are dominating without reward now - and the Danish Dynamite know it.

Three Lions unable to turn dominance

England win a corner and it brings a spell of dangerous balls into Denmark's box. Jack Grealish forces a smart save from Schmeichel, parried back into open play and then comes again, before cutting it back to Sterling - who puts his finish into orbit. Three Lions rings heartily around the stadium. The supporters are trying to get the hosts over the line.

Sterling lofts chance into stand

Here come the reinforcements for the Three Lions - and as predicted, it is Jordan Henderson and Phil Foden who arrive onto the scene. They replace Rice and Mount, as&nbsp;Vestergaard picks up some running repairs for a blow in the Danish box dealing with a Raheem Sterling move moments before.

England make double swap

Kasper Schmeichel rides to Denmark's rescue there - but it could have been so much worse for them. Harry Kane swarms into the right edge of the box and fires low towards the far post. The goalkeeper leaps across to palm it away, back into open play, where his defenders just do enough to mop it up before any England player can follow it up for a tap-in.

Kane forces Schmeichel save

Referee&nbsp;Danny Makkelie blows his whistle and we're on for the first half of extra-time. Neither manager has made a further swap at the break. To recount, England have made only one change - Jack Grealish - while Denmark will have an extra one, having used all five during regular time. Jordan Henderson and Phil Foden are both getting instructions on the sidelines though.

ETKO: England 1-1 Denmark

If the first semi-final of Euro 2020 was a more lopsided affair on the ball in favour of Spain, then this has been a closer encounter. But Denmark had just the one shot in that second half, compared to nine for England. Shades of La Roja - and their failure to convert - are creeping into the Three Lions' evening, for certain. Can either side find a breakthrough over the next half-hour?

Three Lions frustrated by Danish Dynamite

History repeats itself. As they did so in 1990, and 1996, and 2018, England are heded to extra-time in the semi-final of a major tournament. Neither they nor Denmark could find a second goal - a third of the game - to add to their first-half efforts, with the attack of the Three Lions unable to unlock the Danish Dynamite. They will have another half-hour to split themselves apart. If they don't, then they are heading to a penalty shootout - and we all know how that normally goes for England in major last-four games.

FT: England 1-1 Denmark

A free-kick conceded by&nbsp;Vestergaard is pounded in. Maguire gets a header to it, angled low - but there's too much distance and too little power behind it, making it an easy save for Schmeichel on his line. Is that the last chance for England to rescue this one from extra-time?

Maguire heads to Schmeichel

A brilliant bit of work from Shaw wins a free-kick in midfield as Demark look to counter and England play it as fast as they can. The visitors' clearing efforts come up short and Sterling slips back into the box. He beats one defender, and pulls it back for Kane and Grealish, neither of whom can reach it.&nbsp; It falls to Kalvin Phillips on the edge, who - never the natural finisher - skies it over the crossbar and into the stands behind. Three added minutes are gone.

Phillips skies late chance

A late Denmark corner is paused so that the visitors can make another change, with&nbsp;Mathias Jensen on for Thomas Delaney. There's going to be six added minutes for both sides to either find a winner - or hold their nerve. This is white-knuckle football.

Six added minutes incoming

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Will there be a winner in 90 minutes? Or are we going to extra time? 😬<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DEN</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1412874287543951361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Extra-time incoming?

John Stones flicks a Luke Shaw free-kick comfortably wide of the right post now. England's supporters - so loud at the dawn of this game - are growing restless, a chorus of discontent starting to echo around Wembley. Poulsen, looking very much the spark for Denmark in the middle since he came on, is helping to stretch the Three Lions wide when the visitors do come down the middle. Time is running out for either side to find a winner though. Thomas Delaney flicks a delivery into the hosts' box, which skims comfortably past everyone assembled and out for a goal-kick.

Tension palpable at Wembley

Luke Shaw's crosses have been the talk of the town at Euro 2020 but this one is ably blocked, too short to cause Denmark serious danger inside the box. Phillips fires wide from distance. Both sides are tiring out there, starting to run on fumes - except, it seems, for Jack Grealish, who is running around the park with all the energy of a puppy. Will Gareth Southgate make another change late on here?

Both sides tiring late on

Andreas Christensen goes for an almighty stretch to cut off a counter-delivery put towards Jack Grealish, and stays down growling in pain. That could be his hamstring there. He's able to get to his feet, but&nbsp;Kasper Hjulmand is taking no chances.&nbsp;Joachim Andersen is on for Denmark now. England have had five shots to Denmark's one this half - but they have not found that second goal they crave.

Christensen off with leg niggle

Harry Kane goes down in the box, moments after a spot of England pressure - via a Mount chip - almost unlocks Denmark at the back. Referee&nbsp;Danny Makkelie is uninterested however and gives the free-kick to&nbsp;Norgaard instead. VAR will have a look in the background - and agrees with the on-field call. The tension inside Wembley could be cut with a knife. There's a quarter-hour left on the clock. England have been here before, three years ago, with this very scoreline.

Kane has penalty call dismissed

Daniel Wass and Jack Grealish have hardly been on the pitch a few minutes each, but the former has already been booked for fouling the latter, a man famed for being on the end of such challenges with alarming regularity. That's a turn of pace from the Aston Villa man - and it might yet prove to be the thing England need to push on for a winner here.

Wass booked for sharp foul

That prolonged changeover period has done the trick for taking the momentum out of England's attack - but now the Three Lions throw on their first change. Jack Grealish, to Wembley's delight, is the man who arrives. He helped win the match for them here against Germany after arriving at a similar point. Can he do so again here? Bukayo Saka, justifying his recall today, is the man who makes way.

Grealish on for England

A fluid spell of pressure from England sees Denmark match them blow for blow as the Danish Dynamite continue to frustrate their hosts attempts at the back. Mount eventually lifts a little shot in and Schmeichel mops it up easily enough, That's the signal for&nbsp;Andreas Christensen to go down and get some treatment - which allows Denmark to regroup on the sidelines and mull some changes. They have a clutch of players ready to come on - though play resumes before they can. Now they arrive;&nbsp;Yussuf Poulsen, Daniel Wass and&nbsp;Christian Norgaard are all on, replacing&nbsp;Stryger Larsen,&nbsp;Damsgaard and Dolberg.

Denmark make triple swap

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kasper Schmeichel said NO ❌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DEN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/GgwbdgyH2h">pic.twitter.com/GgwbdgyH2h</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1412867796288028677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Schmeichel saves Danish bacon

Ah, there's the flash of England that they've been perhaps missing in the second half so far. Sterling holds up a fine delivery in the box and flicks it on for Shaw on the short side. The left-back can't pull it across quite for Saka in the middle, deflected out for a corner instead. Denmark steady their hand and Shaw's volley back in is seized upon by Schmeichel.

England give glimpse of talents again

A corner for Denmark almost comes undone for the visitors, after Saka's clearing header is almost picked up by Sterling for the counter. They manage to bring it back, before they volley it well wide of the mark. Dolberg sticks a shot straight to Pickford a moment later. The Danish Dynamite are picking off England's passes all too easily in midfield right now for the Three Lions' liking.

Denmark swelling in confidence

Denmark are having another promising spell now, and Martin Braithwaite swings a very dangerous ball into England's box.&nbsp; Pickford comes flying off his lines to punch it away but the danger is far from over. The Three Lions ride it out - just - and then hurl a wonderful break downfield through Sterling, with Kane winning a free-kick out on the right flank. Mount puts it in - and that is a super save from Schmeichel to deny Maguire's header at the left post! What a touch from the keeper. He has kept his side in this match there with his work.&nbsp;

Fine saves at both ends

The ball is curled in and referee&nbsp;Danny Makkelie immediately awards a free-kick to the visitors in the box. Not only that, but it will be a yellow card for Harry Maguire. The England man is furious but the officials deem that he caught Simon Kjaer across the face and neck with a swinging arm there. Medics take their time checking out the Danish captain, before play resumes and&nbsp;Kasper Dolberg is flagged for offside after firing a shot that forces a good save from Pickford down the other end.

Maguire picks up first booking

Bukayo Saka pops up on the right wing in broken play to make a move forward and&nbsp;Jannik Vestergaard boldly checks him to the ground. It's a tough angle for a set-piece delivery but both sides pile bodies into the box.&nbsp;

Saka earns early set-piece

Here we go then. There's a huge three-quarters of an hour incoming at Wembley - and maybe more beyond that. Both sides have dodged extra-time this tournament so far, unlike Italy, who await the winner on Sunday. Will they be forced to go the distance this time around? There's been no changes at the break too. It's as you were for both Gareth Southgate and&nbsp;Kasper Hjulmand.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A crucial time for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENG</a> to score 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/mhQwWhYn7Q">pic.twitter.com/mhQwWhYn7Q</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1412863623496495106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Raheem rides again!

It's hard to see quite what England need to alter - both Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka, out wide, have pressed up exceptionally well in attack. One of them will likely drop off for a replacement if the game remains tied well past the hour-mark though - and it's not like the Three Lions are short of options. As for Denmark, they have looked shrewd on the ball and perhaps a little less sure off it when their hosts have gone for low rather than high deliveries. There's not many ways to shore that up if chasing a winner however.

Changes incoming?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">First direct free-kick at EURO 2020 🎯✅ 🇩🇰 Unforgettable moment for Denmark star Mikkel Damsgaard!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/xawbghoz25">pic.twitter.com/xawbghoz25</a>— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/EURO2020/status/1412858786650468355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What a hit!

With 60 per cent of the ball, England have shaded this one for overall control so far - but much as Italy did last night, Denmark have picked their moments smartly on the counter-attack. Jordan Pickford - who conceded moments after setting that England record to a brilliant free-kick - has looked a little bit twitchy. If the Danish Dynamite throw more at him, he could be in for a long evening. With four shots apiece, this is nicely poised. Who will still be dreaming when the final whistle goes?P

England shade possession but Denmark remain potent danger

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">3 - Simon Kjaer's own goal is the first England have benefitted from in European Championship history, and third overall at a major tournament (against Czechoslovakia and Paraguay in the 1982 and 2006 World Cups). Pegging. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGDEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGDEN</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1412860619758440460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

England reap rare own goal benefits

A pair of ping-pong balls from Walker and Shaw, across the penalty area, keeps Denmark on their toes but there's no penetration from England on this occasion to cause them too much chaos at the back. Kane tries to thread a ball through to Saka and the visitors lash it out for a throw-in. The Three Lions look content to hold it until the break - and it comes without injury time at Wembley. That will be that for the first half.&nbsp;Mikkel Damsgaard's superb free-kick has been negated by Simon Kjaer's own goal. It's all square in London - and it's there for the taking.

HT: England 1-1 Denmark

Quite how Sterling didn't bury that earlier opportunity moments before the equaliser - again, Kane and Saka setting him up bang in front of goal - is something of a miracle. But England, having gone behind for the first time in this tournament, have shown their mettle to square it up in pleasingly quick fashion. Gareth Southgate will be happy with that. Is there a third finish before the break in this match?

England offer shrewd response

Raheem Sterling rides to the rescue again and England are level with half-time in sight! It's actually not the Manchester City man who will get the goal but rather Simon Kjaer, netting yet another Euro 2020 own goal. Moments after the forward is denied at close-range by a superb Kasper Schmeichel stop, the Three Lions come down the right wing in blistering fashion. Kane shapes a superb ball for Saka and the latter cuts it back for Sterling to steer home - but the Denmark captain does the job for him with his defensive block, putting it into his own net. We're back on level terms!

GOAL: England 1-1 Denmark

A free-kick for England now, after Kane is felled near the edge of the Danish box, is rattled straight into Kjaer's head by Sterling - and then, after Walker's throw is cleared, the visitors tear downfield on the counter. That is swift, sharp stuff and only a wayward looping ball at the end allows John Stones to clear off the danger. Denmark can smell blood in the water; a second goal before the break would give them a huge cushion in a clash like this.

Denmark retain sharp danger

Believe it or not, that is the first direct free-kick goal at this tournament - and what a strike it is too. Denmark are in absolute dreamland with that one and you can't blame them in the slightest. They weathered the early test of England possession and have struck back with a piece of solid gold. The Three Lions are looking very nervy now.&nbsp;Jens Stryger Larsen flicks a backheel all too easily through the defence and the hosts are fortunate there is no-one there from the attack to latch on to it. They have gone behind for the first time this summer. What a test they face under the glare of expectation.

Damsgaard blinder makes Euro 2020 history

Holy cow, what a free-kick finish from Mikkel Damsgaard that is! England concede for the first time at Euro 2020! A particularly messy huddle reaching for the first set-piece produces another Denmark free-kick, after Shaw is deemed to have wrestled&nbsp;Andreas Christensen to the ground. From just over 20 yards out, the attacker steps up and leathers it towards the near top-left corner. Jordan Pickford gets fingertips to it but only just; it skims past his gloves and almost takes the net off the goalframe. It just got a whole lot more taxing for the Three Lions at Wembley.

GOAL: England 0-1 Denmark

A foul on Saka presents England with a set-piece chance 30 yards or so out on the centre-right flank, but Denmark prove sternly up to the task in defence. A few different balls are swept in by the Three Lions, to no avail. The Danish Dynamite come through midfield now and Mason Mount leaves a little too much on&nbsp;Kasper Dolberg, to concede some field position. The visitors have found some rhythm with the ball at their feet now.

Denmark steadying field position

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">721 - Jordan Pickford has set a new record for an England goalkeeper for most minutes without conceding, overtaking Gordon Banks' 720 minutes set between May/July 1966. Unbreakable. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGDEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGDEN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/Thlx5Um8oc">pic.twitter.com/Thlx5Um8oc</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1412855418339180547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pickford sets new goalkeeper record

They've done it before and they'll do it again - England have dropped the pace under the arch in north London. It's been a feature of Gareth Southgate's side this summer, measuring themselves throughout - and given they've gone unbeaten in every game so far, they can't be blamed too much for trying the same trick here. Nobody has exploited them so far, and&nbsp;Damsgaard is the latest to fail to take advantage; after a superb tackle in midfield robs Kane, the passage of play Denmark put together comes to an end with a wayward shot.

Tempo dropped at Wembley

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The world of football is with you, Christian ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/vlESxSO16S">pic.twitter.com/vlESxSO16S</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1412852363790934018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A tribute for Christian

Phillips and Pickford have had superb tournaments for England, but a pair of consecutive errors nearly undoes their country's work here now. The former misplaces a touch and&nbsp;Hojbjerg fires a low shot in. Then the goalkeeper's distribution fails him and he sends it straight to&nbsp;Damsgaard, who sees his ball back into the box carried wide for a corner. Pickford makes amends with a neat punch to clear the set-piece, but that should be a suitable wake-up call for England. The luxury of an early lead, as found against Ukraine, has not fallen for them this time around.

Denmark almost punish hosts' mistakes

England's first corner of the game is ably headed away by Denmark and almost sparks a swift counter, but some sharp work allows the Three Lions to cut off their avenues. Sterling, very much the man of the moment for his country over the past year, cuts around two defenders and fires a tight, low shot straight to&nbsp;Kasper Schmeichel. That will be the first proper attempt on target of the game. If England watched any of yesterday's semi-final, they'll know they cannot do what Spain did - muster the possession and spurn the chances. Kane absolutely slashes a half-volley into orbit now after a fine pass from Walker puts him into a spot of space on the edge of Denmark's box. Two shots for the hosts now.

England fire in first efforts

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">'I must go now; my people need me.' 🛸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/u7lBZ9YsZQ">pic.twitter.com/u7lBZ9YsZQ</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1412849839969345540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Superman?

The pressure has been one-way traffic for England so far, but Joakim Maehle now makes an incursion down the left wing. He squares up with Kyle Walker and the Manchester City man comes out on top with some smart, intelligent defending. That will be a tussle to watch throughout. Denmark clip a long ball into a large gap a moment later, and Walker again hurries across to muscle out&nbsp;Mikkel Damsgaard, allowing Jordan Pickford a hassle-free collection. Some smart spot selection from the Danish Dynamite there. They will take their chances when they come - and come they certainly will, given how England tend to regulate their tempo after fast starts.

Walker shows defensive mettle

You've seen that kind of move from England before, down through the years! A misplaced Three Lions pass sparks a Denmark counter, one quickly defused, and then the hosts throw defence into attack. Kalvin Phillips flicks Bukayo Saka on down the right, who slips Harry Kane further on and the keeper curves a lovely ball low into the box. Sterling is just a little too late to get the touch on it, and it drifts harmlessly away to be mopped up by Denmark at the back.

Kane lays on first opportunity

Both Raheem Sterling and&nbsp;Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are on the end of some hefty challenges across the opening plays, with the former immediately looking to put a high press to good use in Denmark's half. Luke Shaw gets a quick word for a challenge on&nbsp;Jens Stryger Larsen, before England appeal for a back-pass to&nbsp;Kasper Schmeichel. The officials are not interested in their claims. The noise is biblical, truly, at Wembley. It's an echo chamber that could burst the eardrums in here.

Early exchanges show crunching initiative

After England have taken a knee against racism, to applause from Denmark, the referee blows his whistle - and we are underway in the last semi-final of Euro 2020!

KO: England v Denmark

Insert the obligatory "this anthem&nbsp;slaps" quote here, though it is fair to say not many people have been as enthused about the songcraft quality of God Save the Queen as many of its rival contenders. For the fourth time at Euro 2020, the Netherlands'&nbsp;Danny Makkelie takes the whistle as match referee - and the second time at Wembley, no less, having been the man in the middle for the Three Lions' win over Germany. Harry Kane and Simon Kjaer shake hands in the middle of the park under his watch. Both look cool, composed. They - and their teams - are in for a huge evening.

Anthems concluded

How are your nerves, England fans? How about you, Denmark supporters? The time is almost upon us. Wembley, limited with Covid-19 restrictions, is still a sea of red and white. The two sides are in the tunnel; the Three Lions in white and the Danish Dynamite in red. Here they come for the national anthems! Listen to that roar!

Teams emerge at Wembley

If you thought it was noisy at Wembley last night, then think again. Compared to yesterday's volume, this is off the charts. This is the biggest game in modern England history to be played on home soil, surely - trumping the win over Germany last week by sheer default of what this occasion is. Denmark have very much brought their support though. One note to keep in mind - the Danish Dynamite have gone further in this contest on the road, having been forced to head all the way to Baku to beat the Czech Republic before heading here. Could there be a jet lag hangover for them?

Almost time...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The perfect night for it 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/seZOjW8zh6">pic.twitter.com/seZOjW8zh6</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1412844435684003841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Like a dream...

But if the ex-Manchetser United man firmly believes that the hosts are on the back foot, then Germany legend Jurgen&nbsp;Klinsmann thinks otherwise. The former national team boss was on the side that lifted the trophy at Euro 1996 on English soil, though he missed his nation's penalty shootout victory over the Three Lions in the semi-finals. But in assessing the shortcomings of his home country at this tournament - another disappointing finish to end Joachim Low's tenure on a whimper after they were downed at Wembley - <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/england-favourites-from-the-start-klinsmann-euro-2020/13x7tfb5zey3h1xdwmgijhm1i9" target="_blank">the famed forward feels that Southgate's side were the ones to beat all along this summer</a>.

Klinsmann: England always Euro 2020 faves

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">19 - At 19 years and 305 days, Bukayo Saka is the youngest Englishman to start a match at the semi-final stage or later of a major tournament. Unicorn. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGDEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGDEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/ARmaK1260o">pic.twitter.com/ARmaK1260o</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1412830714949738501?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Can Saka's unicorn swing it tonight?

We've already mooted whether it is apt to describe England as favourites tonight, given that momentum feels just as much with Denmark as it does them - and one Danish legend certainly feels that it is wrong to give them the tag. But while&nbsp;Kasper Hjulmand stopped shy of claiming that his side were the favourites after disabusing their underdog moniker, legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has absolutely no qualms about suggesting that his nation are on top heading into this clash. The shotstopper was of course pivotal to the Euro 1992 triumph of the country, and his son Kasper has followed in his footsteps to become a Premier League and FA Cup winner with Leicester City. Why shouldn't he see them as the ones to beat tonight?

Denmark favourites to win, says Schmeichel Sr

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Last time Kasper Schmeichel played at Wembley... 🦊🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/tkk9oK5rKs">pic.twitter.com/tkk9oK5rKs</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1412838323559682048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kasper's friendly posts?

If Luke Shaw is going to have competition in the wing-back stakes tonight though, he couldn't have asked for much of a tougher opponent than&nbsp;Joakim Maehle, perhaps Denmark's biggest breakout on the Euro 2020 stage. The Atalanta man has been one of the Danish Dynamite's standouts, and arguably makes for their most incisive threat from deep in their own territory, a player capable of tearing up the pitch with his pinpoint runs and deliveries. He's just the latest talent to emerge from the Serie A side - and in the absence of Eriksen, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/denmark-wing-back-maehle-the-latest-star-from-atalanta/1d46k4hqjlw5u19djmnc339h35" target="_blank">he's held himself up as an attacking lightning rod for his side to rally around</a>.

Maehle Denmark's latest shining star

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Some of England's options off the bench tonight... 🦁 Marcus Rashford 🦁 Jack Grealish 🦁 Jadon Sancho 🦁 Phil Foden 🦁 Jude Bellingham 🦁 Jordan Henderson Firepower 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/rCZtwWDvzr">pic.twitter.com/rCZtwWDvzr</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1412839720489558021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Stacked to the back?

Italy's failure to keep a clean sheet last night means that, no matter what happens here, England have already picked up one honour from Euro 2020, with Jordan Pickford the tournament's Golden Glove victor after his five clean sheets in five games. But the matter of the Golden Boot remains up for grabs among a clutch of players tonight. England duo Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, plus Denmark's Kasper Dolberg, all have three apiece, two shy of the top of the scoring charts. Cristiano Ronaldo sits there, despite Portugal being knocked out in the last-16 - and he holds the summit of five finishes at Patrik Schick of the Czech Republic for good measure.

Golden Glove is England's - but Golden Boot up for grabs

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🤍❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForDanmark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForDanmark</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/9q0fZVNFx7">pic.twitter.com/9q0fZVNFx7</a> — DBU - En Del Af Noget Større (@DBUfodbold) <a href="https://twitter.com/DBUfodbold/status/1412832172881416193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

History awaits

In further Denmark news, Christian Eriksen may not be able to play right now, but he could be among the crowd on Sunday. He his wife and the half-dozen medical staff who attended to him following his cardiac arrest have been invited to the final by UEFA president&nbsp;Aleksander Ceferin. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/eriksen-and-medical-staff-who-saved-him-invited-to-euro-2020/43ktarzdg4451sjdqjztqylml" target="_blank">It is currently unknown whether Eriksen will make the trip</a>&nbsp;from his home country, where he continues to recover, though the six medics are expected to attend as guests on Sunday.

Eriksen and medics invited to Euro 2020 Final

If you've been lucky - or unlucky, perhaps - to be within earshot of Three Lions this summer, then you'll have heard that it may well be coming home. Kaspar Schmeichel, whose long career on British shores probably makes him among the most English-versed members of Denmark's squad however, certainly couldn't resist a crack about whether it actually has come home before <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/schmeichel-aims-cheeky-dig-at-england-ahead-of-euro-2020/hllskgrcpxmp1iwpuzbhqzr1c" target="_blank">when someone thought to ask him earlier this week</a>. England, of course, have never won the European Championship. Their previous best finish was the semi-finals, at Euro 1968 and Euro 1996.

'Has it ever been home?' - Schmeichel aims dig at England

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Semi-final ready! 😍 <a href="https://t.co/aVuugOCbKD">pic.twitter.com/aVuugOCbKD</a>— England (@England) <a href="https://twitter.com/England/status/1412825160005062656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Calm before the storm

If Shaw has been the brightest spark among his nation's impressive defence, then credit must also go to Harry Maguire, whose participation in this tournament looked in jeopardy just over a month ago. Having missed Manchester United's run-in through injury, there's a debate to be made that he might not have made the cut for his country had there not been expanded squads, but he has recovered to start their knockout games - and proven a robust presence at the back since then. Given where the centre-back found himself ahead of last term - in a jail cell in Greece - it has been a remarkable turnaround,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/maguire-never-feared-being-dumped-by-england-during-testing-time-/ztw7feovh7m710khzx12opc49" target="_blank">with the former Leicester City man nabbing a goal against Ukraine to further repay Southgate's faith in him.</a>