ENGLAND are in the final of a major tournament for the first time since 1966 after edging out Denmark in a nail-biting semi-final.
The Three Lions fell behind through Mikkel Damsgaard’s brilliant free-kick after 30 minutes.
But they were level before half-time when Simon Kjaer put through his own net under the pressure of Raheem Sterling.
The Manchester City star then played a key role in the winner with nothing to separate the two sides after 90 minutes.
In the first period of extra-time, Sterling was bundled to the ground in the box and the referee controversially pointed to the spot.
Harry Kane saw his initial kick saved before slamming home the rebound to set up a Euros 2020 final with European giants Italy on Sunday.
Here’s how SunSport rated England’s heroes.
Jordan Pickford – 4
Early mistake seemed to rattle him. Mikkel Damsgaard’s free-kick was excellent but still beat him near the centre of his goal.
Distribution was poor, sometimes dangerously so.
Kyle Walker – 8
England’s best defender on the night. Shut down an early Damsgaard break and nullified the threat of wing back Joakim Maehle all night.
Strong, fast, and a much-needed calm head.
John Stones – 7
While Walker was all-action, his Man City team-mate was a low-key but reassuring presence.
Kept Kasper Dolberg quiet apart from one second-half chance. Quietly classy.
Harry Maguire – 8
Held the middle well with Stones and was strong as an ox as England held on. Looked good surging forward and dangerous in the box, forcing a fine save from Schmeichel. Booked.
Luke Shaw – 8
Began with attacking intent but soon found himself with defensive work to do.
Gave away needless free-kick from which Denmark scored. Like England, better in the second half.
Declan Rice – 7
Sound enough early on, then his passing and all-round play became slow.
But his significant improvement after the break was key to England’s better performance.
Kalvin Phillips – 6
Was often chasing shadows in the first half.
No faulting his desire or energy, though, and his athleticism and energy helped England take control after the break.
Mason Mount – 6
Worked hard as usual but was not an attacking factor often enough.
Found Maguire’s head with his first decent free-kick and was another who was better after the break.
Raheem Sterling – 8
Fizzing with energy and England’s main first-half threat. Should have scored earlier, but forced the own goal.
Initially quieter on right, yet still dangerous, as he proved by winning the penalty.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Nervous at first and hadn’t made much impression until he laid on the equaliser with a fine run and cross.
Grew into the game and was looking more dangerous before going off.
Harry Kane – 8
Fed off scraps, but linked play and threaded balls behind Denmark defence, including peach to release Saka.
Won free kicks galore. Unselfish display earned the luck of penalty rebound.
Subs
JACK GREALISH (for Saka, 69) 6
Took a little while to get to the speed of the game but looked a threat once he did.
Stung Schmeichel’s hands in extra time but sacrificed to shore things up after Kane’s goal.
PHIL FODEN (for Mount, 95) 7
Immediately injected more guile and unpredictability into the England attack.
His pace and skill kept Denmark honest at the back as they tried to find a way back into the game.
JORDAN HENDERSON (for Rice, 95) 7
Brought some new midfield impetus with his fresh legs against a tiring Denmark side.
Was in the ear of his team-mates and the referee, and kept things simple and precise to manage the game.
KIERAN TRIPPIER (for Grealish, 106) 6
Introduced to help see out the game with some of that La Liga-winning nous as Southgate switched to a back three.
Did exactly what it said on the tin in another canny substitution.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
