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      Euro 2020: Harry Kane ready to deliver rousing team-talk as England bid to down Denmark for first final since 1966

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      HARRY KANE will deliver a rousing final team-talk tonight as England bid to beat Denmark to reach a first final since 1966.And boss Gareth Southgate wants his stars to create an iconic England moment at Wembley as there have been few since the stadium was rebuilt in 2007.
      Harry Kane plans to fire up the troops ahead of the semi-final clash against DenmarkCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate is hopeful of creating another iconic moment at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Kane said: “Before the game I will give a reminder of what we want to do and what we want to achieve.
      “I will feel how the room is, what I feel needs to be said.
      “To be honest it is almost whatever comes out of my mouth at the time. I don’t think about it too much.”
      Southgate will not speak to the players once they step onto the team bus from their London hotel.
      He said: “I always talk to the team before we leave the hotel for the stadium. And then basically I’m able to hand it over to them, which increasingly has required less input from us immediately before kick-off.
      “So many of the senior players now have strong voices in the dressing room and are delivering the right messages.”
      The England coach also believes the 2-0 win over Germany in the last-16 was the first major sporting moment at the new Wembley, with all the others coming before the old stadium was demolished in 2002.
      Southgate, set to play with a four-man defence, said: “Wembley has a fantastic history, of course, but a lot of those memories would be from the old stadium.
      Bukayo Saka could return against Denmark
      “The history of the stadium relies on those iconic moments and if we look historically that’s been in the past.
      “The World Cup final, Olympic games, big boxing events and there have been perhaps less of those headline events at the new Wembley whereas this tournament is now one of those moments where we’ve had the chance to have some very high-profile games already and achieve some big moments.
      “There’s some sort of pictures on the wall as you drive into the dressing rooms of iconic England moments but some of them aren’t even from finals competitions.
      “I’ve not heard the new Wembley have an atmosphere like it did for the Germany game.
      “The Croatia Nations League game was a very good one in terms of the atmosphere but Germany was another level and I’m sure Denmark is going to be very special.”
      Southgate could make just one change with fit-again Bukayo Saka set to return in place of Jadon Sancho.

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      Denmark are strong down their left and Saka would give more protection to the right-back – likely to be Kyle Walker – with England playing four at the back.
      Southgate admitted England have had an advantage at Euro 2020 as this will be the team’s fifth game out of six at Wembley.
      He added: “There have been a number of hosts in this tournament, and Italy, Denmark, Spain have all benefited from that as well. It should be an advantage.
      “We often in our preparations were talking through as a group of staff talking about how it could be a hindrance, but quite often we came around to saying, hang on a second, this should be an advantage, we’ve got to make this an advantage for us, things like the travel.
      “We had to make sure we won our group so we had that extra game at Wembley.
      “So we’ve done the bits we’ve needed to give ourselves the best possible chance.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Denmark star Kasper Schmeichel give brutal reply after being asked if ‘it’s coming home’ for England at Euro 2020 More

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      Martin Braithwaite has gone from Middlesbrough flop to Lionel Messi’s Barcelona pal as he plots England’s Euro 2020 exit

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      COMMENTATOR Clive Tyldesley perfectly summed up the crazy career trajectory of Martin Braithwaite.As Denmark lined up to face Belgium in the group stage, he said: “Martin Braithwaite, once of Middlesbrough, now at Barcelona.
      Denmark striker Martin Braithwaite is desperate to dump England out of Euro 2020Credit: EPA
      The star failed to impress during his time at MiddlesbroughCredit: Rex Features
      “His teammates were Jonny Howson and Britt Assombalonga, they’re now Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann.
      “He finds it difficult enough to get a game now, although actually he spent as much time on Tony Pulis’ bench on Teesside as he does on Ronald Koeman’s in Catalonia.”
      In fact, he is one of eight players to have played for both Barca and Boro.
      Braithwaite, 30, is yet to score at the Euros but has never wanted for confidence and has England in his sights.
      Arriving at the Riverside for £9million from Toulouse in the summer of 2017, the forward compared himself to Boro’s Brazilian legend Juninho and said fans would be ‘in for a treat’.
      But instead of Samba flair it was more a sulky affair as Brathwaite mustered nine goals in 40 games and asked to leave twice.
      Signed by Garry Monk following 22 goals in his last two Ligue 1 seasons, there were flashes of class before Monk was sacked in December and replaced by Tony Pulis.
      He lasted just three games under drill sergeant Pulis before being loaned to Bordeaux.

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      Returning to the North East for the following season, Braithwaite scored three times in Boro’s opening four Championship games before demanding a move.
      The request was refused and 14 goalless appearances followed, and was out of the door on loan again in January 2019 to Spanish side Leganes. Safe from Pulis’ fury, the war of words began.
      In March, he said: “I’m not coming back to Middlesbrough. Pulis has a strange way to play football. It’s kick and rush.”
      Pulis roared back: “To show the disrespect he’s shown to this club by saying he’s not coming back, to (owner) Steve Gibson, who’s made him a multi-millionaire,  is amazing. It just puts him up there as such an ungrateful person.”
      With all bridges burned, Braithwaite joined Leganes permanently before the start of the next campaign under new boss Jonathan Woodgate.
      Half a season later and things took a truly bizarre turn when Barcelona faced an injury crisis and paid the Boro flop’s £15m release clause in February 2022.
      Outside of the transfer window, the emergency deal proved controversial with the Catalan giants given special permission from LaLiga.
      The forward is now pals with Lionel Messi since joining BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Rules allow clubs to make a new signing if a player is sidelined for more than five months, with Ousmane Dembele out for six.
      In the 17 months since Braithwaite has made 17 starts and 29 sub appearances in the league and Champions League, mustering just six goals.
      Hardly prolific, but you imagine the man who spent two years in a wheelchair as a child with a hip disease would have taken that when squabbling with Pulis in a mid-Championship side.
      PLAYED FOR BARCA AND BOROTHE eight players are…
      Martin Braithwaite
      Michael Reiziger
      Bolo Zenden
      Victor Valdes
      Fabio Rochemback
      Adama Traore
      Gaizka Mendieta
      Damia

      Reflecting on his spell at Middlesbrough after settling into life at Barca, he said: “We’re human and football is full of emotion.
      “I believe in freedom of speech – people are allowed to show their disappointment.
      “People next to me know my values. It’s just a shame some try to create a picture of me.
      “But it’s part of who I’ve become, what I learnt, what brought me here. It’s been a hell of a journey.”
      But it’s not over yet, with Wembley the stage for the latest chapter.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

      Hilarious moment Martin Braithwaite fluffs his showboating at Barcelona unveiling as nobody turns up More

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      Euro 2020: England ace Harry Kane roars ‘I’m probably unstoppable’ in warning to Denmark ahead of semi-final clash

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      ENGLAND striker Harry Kane roared out a warning to Denmark before tomorrow’s Euro 2020 semi-final: “I’m probably unstoppable.”About 34 million fans — more than half of the nation’s population — are expected to watch ITV as the Three Lions try to reach their first final in 55 years.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England striker Harry Kane roared out a warning to Denmark before tomorrow’s Euro 2020 semi-finalCredit: Getty
      And the viewers will be urging skipper Harry, 27 — who has three goals in the tournament so far — to run rampant.
      Asked whether he could be stopped, he replied: “To be honest, probably not.
      “If you try and stop me then that’s OK because you have got other players who are just as good, who are going to cause problems.
      “I feel like when I’m playing at my best — I feel I can score goals or provide assists against anyone.
      “Hopefully, that will be the case against Denmark.”
      ‘CAN SCORE GOALS AGAINST ANYONE’
      England are favourites to clinch a place in their first tournament final since the 1966 World Cup when they march out at Wembley tomorrow in front of 60,000 home fans.
      And The Sun can reveal that pubs will be allowed to open until 11.15pm on Sunday night — in case the Euros final goes to extra time and penalties.
      Before then, industry data suggests 28 million pints will be downed tomorrow — ten million in pubs and 18 million at home — more than at New Year’s Eve.
      The Denmark clash is set to beat England’s 2018 World Cup semi-final TV audience as research suggests non-sports fans have more interest in games played on home soil.
      That night ended in heartbreak as the Three Lions lost 2-1 to Croatia in Moscow.

      About 34 million fans — more than half of the nation’s population — are expected to watch ITV as the Three Lions (pictured) try to reach their first final in 55 yearsCredit: Getty
      Players of Denmark stand for the national anthem prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship quarter-final match against Czech RepublicCredit: Getty
      But Kane feels sure his men will keep their cool and be better prepared tomorrow after learning from that defeat.
      He said: “It’s now looking forward to a tough game and hopefully keep on knocking down barriers which have been there in the past.
      “As a striker it would be great to win it — I would trade all my individual trophies for a team trophy any day and that’s the opportunity we have.”
      The Danes go into the game galvanised after the near-death of Harry’s former Spurs teammate Christian Eriksen.
      The 29-year-old midfielder, who survived a cardiac arrest during their opening game, has claimed his team-mates know how to thwart Kane.
      ENGLAND FIRED UP
      But Harry plans to prove him wrong and insisted his side will also be fired up — by the roar of the home fans.
      Harry said: “We try to use that energy — being at Wembley — to our advantage and it helped us against Germany. It’s a great opportunity for us.”
      He revealed he prefers playing in the nerve-shredding knock-out games to watching them.
      And he said: “I definitely feel for the fans a little bit, my family, my wife, for having to go through it and watch it — they will be really nervous and ex- cited at the same time. But I 100 per cent prefer to be playing.”
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the nation to support England’s young lions “enthusiastically but sensibly”.
      Kane scored two showstoppers during the quarter-final match against UkraineCredit: Getty
      Boris Johnson shows his support for the England team with a custom shirtCredit: Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing St
      He showed his backing for them by holding up an aptly-numbered England shirt outside 10 Downing Street.
      He said: “Gareth Southgate and the England squad have done the nation proud in the Euros, and we will all be wishing them the best of luck in getting to the final. Bring it home!”
      The PM today signed off the extra drinking time plan for this weekend, regardless of whether England reach the final.
      An emergency tweak to the law was ordered to allow boozers to continue serving for an additional 45 minutes in case the football drama is prolonged.
      The move was to prevent disorder from millions watching in pubs where landlords would have been obliged to switch off.
      ‘DONE THE NATION PROUD’
      A No10 source said: “As the entire nation comes together to enjoy the Euros final on Sunday, we’re putting extra time on licenses so fans can watch the whole game without fear of being kicked out before it’s over.
      “And we’re backing England to make it there.”
      The National Grid is braced for a monster 1.4 gigawatt power surge at half-time — as almost every fridge is opened for more beers and kettles are put on.
      Tomorrow’s match will be worth £500million to pubs and supermarkets.
      It is estimated we will tuck into seven million burgers, 13 million packets of crisps and 20,000 Danish bacon rashers in sandwiches.
      Kane scored after just four minutes
      The PM said: ‘Gareth Southgate and the England squad have done the nation proud in the Euros’Credit: Getty
      The British Beer and Pub Association, said: “The feelgood factor among fans is increasing with more pints to be drunk during the semi-final than the Ukraine win on Saturday.”
      Many big screens showing the game sold out in minutes. Black-market tickets for Wembley hit £6,000-a-pair today.
      Fans celebrate England beating Ukraine in Euro 2020 quarter-final More

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      England fans set to guzzle 30million pints cheering on the Three Lions against Denmark

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      THREE Lions fans are set to sink more than 30million pints as they roar on England during their hotly anticipated Euro 2020 semi-final showdown against Denmark.Gareth Southgate’s side will be spurred on by millions across the country as hopes soar of football coming home – with the team eyeing up their first potential major final since 1966’s glorious victory.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      More than 30million pints are expected to be guzzled down during England’s clash against DenmarkCredit: Mercury
      The Three Lions secured a place in the semi-final with a thumping 4-0 win over UkraineCredit: The Sun
      And with countless numbers set to crowd around the telly at pubs and their homes alike, millions will raise a beer to cheer on England as the stars take to the pitch at Wembley.
      With many offices expected to clear out early for the day as workers dash back in time for the 8pm kick-off, hospitality bosses hope it will see beer sales soar.
      It is estimated more than 30million pints will be guzzled down during the clash – including at least 6.8million in bars alone.
      England devotees are impatiently awaiting Wednesday’s knockout against Denmark following a thumping 4-0 quarter-final win over Ukraine last Saturday.
      A record-breaking 20.9million tuned in to BBC One to watch the epic showdown, making it the UK’s new most-watched TV show of 2021.
      Harry Kane scored twice in Rome, with Harry Maguire heading home emphatically before Jordan Henderson wrapped up the scoring with his first England goal.
      But their work hasn’t stopped there, and on Tuesday the Three Lions squad wrapped up warm for their final training session ahead of the game.
      Millions are set to head to pubs to cheer on EnglandCredit: AFP
      England stars Jack Grealish and Phil Foden chatting during the final training session ahead of tomorrow’s showdownCredit: Getty
      Englands stars underwent one last workout at St George’s Park before taking the trip to their London base.
      All 26 players in Southgate’s squad took part in the morning session, including Bukayo Saka who had missed the win over Ukraine with a knock.
      But the majority donned jumpers, scarves and gloves for a runaround that truly betrayed its July date.
      Temperatures hung around the 13°C mark on Tuesday with total cloud cover and occasional rain.
      Fortunately, the 8pm kick-off at Wembley is forecast to take place in dry conditions and sunny spells that could tip 20°C.
      Three Lions boss Southgate faces a tough selection decision following his side’s confident displays thus far.
      Denmark’s five-man defence may lead to England matching up man for man, as they did against Germany in the last-16.

      Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and the fit-again Saka are all vying for a spot in the XI.
      Meanwhile, The Sun today revealed pubs will be allowed to open until 11:15pm on Sunday night – in case the Euros final goes to extra time and penalties.
      Beer sales are set to soar during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final showdownCredit: AFP or licensors
      Boris Johnson this morning signed off plans for extra drinking time this weekend regardless of whether England make Sunday night’s Wembley showdown.
      Harry Kane speaks ahead of England’s semi-final with Denmark More

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      Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma wears incredible £100 gloves with 288 spikes on fist to help him punch ball

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      ITALY goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma wore TWO pairs of Adidas Predators during his nation’s victory against Belgium.The 22-year-old was sporting the Predator Pro gloves to match his boots, fitted with spikes to help the stopper punch the ball.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Gianluigi Donnarumma wore the Adidas Predator Pro gloves during Italy’s win against BelgiumCredit: AFP
      The gloves helped the 22-year-old keep the world’s No1 ranked team at bay during their Euro 2020 clashCredit: AP
      Donnarumma’s fresh gear helped his side record a 2-1 victory against Belgium in their Euro 2020 quarter-final.
      The goalkeeper had an excellent game against the world’s No1 ranked team, making several quality saves to keep Italy’s lead in tact.
      The Predator range is famous for its boots, with Premier League legends Steven Gerrard and David Beckham wearing them during their careers.
      But top goalkeepers, such as Donnarumma, are sporting Predators on their hands too.
      CALLING ALL ENGLAND FANS…DO you have a childhood picture of yourself in an England shirt to feature in The Sun?
      Please email it, along with your name, age, where you are from and the year it was taken to englandkits@the-sun.co.uk

      The Predator Pro gloves are priced at £100 and fitted with 288 spikes to help goalkeepers punch crosses.
      They’re currently being worn by the likes of Manchester United star David de Gea and England youngster Aaron Ramsdale.

      Although Donnarumma has all the gear, he doesn’t currently have a club after leaving AC Milan at the end of last season.
      The youngster has made a tremendous start to his career, making more than 250 club appearances to date – despite his tender age.
      Donnarumma is Italy’s first-choice goalkeeper at Euro 2020, ahead of experienced Torino stopper Salvatore Sirigu and Napoli star Alex Meret.
      Reports suggest he will sign a five-year deal at Paris Saint-Germain, receiving £200,000-a-week from the Ligue 1 club.
      PSG have already signed Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer this summer and have been linked with departing Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos.
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      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      In demand Gianluigi Donnarumma is match ready as he saves every goal in training More

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      We love you Denmark and respect your team but England are bringing home the bacon

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      THERE ain’t nothing like a Dane, as the song almost went.The Sun loves Denmark. We love its funny, party-mad people.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      We love you Denmark and respect your team but England are bringing home the baconCredit: Shutterstock
      A night for Kane to reign and put the Danes on the planeCredit: Getty
      We love Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. We love Jaime Lannister from Game of Thrones. We love your Scarlett Johansson* (*dad’s from Copenhagen).
      We love Denmark’s Viking history. Its beauty. Its quaint, colourful houses.
      Its funny coins with holes in. Its Lego. Its bacon, its beer, its pastries, its Lurpak. And its bacon. Did we mention that?
      Generations of British kids have loved Hans Christian Andersen, the master Danish storyteller. But tomorrow night, ­Denmark, your fairytale ends.
      We have utmost respect for your team. The moving way they shielded Christian Eriksen after his collapse — then rallied to turn in some great performances.
      But enough now. You’ve had a good run. Tomorrow is England’s night.
      Denmark’s players line up before their match with WalesCredit: AFP
      A night for our heroes to become ­history-making superheroes.
      A night to step it up to a new level, even from the rout of the Germans and the trouncing of Ukraine.
      A night for Kane to reign and put the Danes on the plane. For us to boldly go where no English team has gone in 55 years of hurt: A major tournament final.
      And then, yes, to bring football home.
      We at The Sun wish England’s Lions — this fantastic outfit under a great manager — all the luck they deserve.
      You’ve got this, lads!
      Sun’s ad the last laugh!
      THE sneaky Danes tried to catch out The Sun with a surprise raid but unlike old English King Ethelred The Unready we were, um, ready.
      Danish red-top B.T. took out an advert in this newspaper which shows a horde of angry-looking Vikings in front of their white on red flag with the caption: “We’re coming home”.
      The sneaky Danes tried to catch out The Sun with a surprise raid
      Our advert using Danish bacon shaped as an England flag
      But their stunt spectacularly backfired as we launched a swift counter-strike and placed a full page advertisement in their paper.
      Our advert — using Danish bacon shaped as an England flag — says: “We’re having you for breakfast.”
      B.T. was glorifying the Viking raids which started in the late 8th Century and terrorised England for 300 years.
      Many English kings — including the hapless Ethelred who ruled from 978 to 1013 — were chastised for being unable to put a defence up against them.
      Meanwhile, The Sun’s soothsaying wonder pooch yesterday backed England to bring home the bacon.
      Cockapoo Willow has correctly predicted all but one of England’s matches.
      She munched on Bratwurst ahead of the 2-0 win over Germany and snacked on a chicken Kiev as we thumped Ukraine 4-0. And she’s been homing in on a rasher or two in Baildon, West Yorks, before tonight’s clash.
      The little English mermaid
      Denmark’s Little Mermaid reveals her true colours ahead of tomorrow’s Euros clash.
      The Copenhagen statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, sits in our mocked-up picture ready to cheer on the Three (Sea) Lions.
      Denmark’s Little Mermaid reveals her true colours ahead of tomorrow’s Euros clash

      Denmark given heroic send-off by chanting crowd ahead of England clash in Euro 2020 More

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      Singalong with our England lyrics as fans share childhood snaps in Three Lions kit

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      IF you want to get behind the England team tonight, grab your footie shirt and warm up those vocal cords.As the Three Lions prepare to take on Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final, it is up to YOU, the fans, to roar as loudly as you can.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020
      A young fan watches England beat Germany at the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley. Do you know the boy in this photo? Email exclusive@the-sun.co.ukCredit: Getty
      Our readers have been showing their support by sending in snaps of themselves and their kids wearing the England kit over the years.
      And in the stands and pubs across Britain, fans have been belting out classics for manager Gareth Southgate and his squad, including Fat Les’s Vindaloo.
      But there are three other tunes that have emerged as fan favourites.
      Nicholas James, from Liskeard, Cornwall, aged ten in team’s 1982 World Cup home kit
      The indomitable Three Lions, by comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner and rock band The Lightning Seeds, is the go-to chant.
      And it is closely followed by the reworked versions of Atomic Kitten’s Whole Again and Sweet Caroline, by Neil Diamond.
      There aren’t many changes in this version of Neil Diamond’s 1969 track, but after the pandemic, the lyrics resonate with fans
      Aaron Mills, from East London, in 1986 aged 8
      The Nineties and Noughties girl band are releasing the updated track today.
      Meanwhile, Sweet Caroline was the first song Wembley DJ Tony Parry played after England beat Germany 2-0 last week.
      He said: “I was going to play Vindaloo, but went with my gut.
      George and William Lawrence, from Essex, wearing their England kits, aged 9 months
      Even the German fans were belting it out in the end. It’s a song that all fans can enjoy.”
      Amy Jones provides the lyrics to the top chants so you can cheer on England tonight.
      Show your love for England manager Gareth Southgate with this revised version of Atomic Kitten’s 2000 hit, Whole Again
      Bobby Foster, aged 1, from Beverley near Hull
      Released in 1996 to mark England hosting the Euros, Three Lions is just as relevant today
      Archie from Chessington, 22 months old, wearing his England kit
      Chester and Ted, from Epson, aged 4 and 2 wearing their kits
      Joey Hatchard, aged nine, cheers for the Three Lions last week in Essex
      Isla Gallimore wearing her England kit, aged 4, from Essex
      Sonny Carlisle, from Wimbledon, raises a glass (of apple juice) in 2010 aged three
      Sam Coleman, now 25, and brother Liam, 28, from Ashington, Northumberland, in 2002

      Daniel and Jamie Cutts, from Gosport, Hants, aged seven and five, in 1998
      Newcastle lad Ant Macdonald can’t wait for kick-off, here he is aged five, in 1987Credit: PROVIDED BY PULSE
      Tutu cute! Three-year-old Sophie Turner, from Swanley, pairs hers with a skirt in 2012
      Denmark star Kasper Schmeichel give brutal reply after being asked if ‘it’s coming home’ for England at Euro 2020 More

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      England legend Peter Shilton backs England to beat the Danes in Euro 2020 clash and salutes keeper Jordan Pickford

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      FOOTIE great Peter Shilton has backed England to beat the Danes tonight — and to go on to win Euro 2020 without Jordan Pickford conceding a goal.The goalie, 71, saluted current keeper Pickford’s incredible five-game clean-sheet tally — a record for Euros tournaments.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020
      Former goalie Peter Shilton says England will go all the wayCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      And the Three Lions’ most-capped star said the Everton stopper, 27, could even hold firm until captain Harry Kane lifted our first trophy in 55 years on Sunday.
      Shilts, who played in two European Championships and three World Cups, told The Sun: “England should have enough to beat the Danes and won’t fear whoever they play in the final.
      “To go all the way and win it without leaking a single goal would be astonishing — but this team can do it. Jordan Pickford is on the cusp of becoming a great goalkeeper and has had a terrific tournament. He seems to play better in an England shirt.
      “He’s stepped up when it mattered but hasn’t had a lot to do thanks to the hard work and skill of the players in front of him. It’s been incredible to see a team reach the semi-finals without conceding and they’re just two games away from achieving the ultimate.
      They can do it and lift the trophy in style — then win the World Cup next year.Peter Shilton
      “They can do it and lift the trophy in style — then win the World Cup next year. That’s how good they are.”
      England are the only Euro 2020 side yet to concede, with clean sheets in their three group games against Croatia, Scotland and Czech Republic.
      Pickford also kept the ball out of his own net in the last 16 match against Germany and the 4-0 quarter-final demolition of Ukraine.
      The Footie legend, 71, saluted current keeper Jordan Pickford’s five-game clean-sheet tallyCredit: Marc Aspland EURO 2020 Newspapers Pool
      Shilton says the Three Lions will win Euro 2020 without Jordan Pickford conceding a goalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      It is a feat never achieved by any national team in the history of European Championship football.
      England were 25/1 long-shots with bookies to not concede before the semis at the start of the tournament — and 200/1 to win it without leaking a goal. Those odds have now crashed to 4/1 with two games to go.
      And Shilts is convinced the sound defensive performances will be the bedrock of a push for England’s first tournament glory since 1966. He said: “Jordan Pickford has stepped up when it mattered.
      “But, in truth, he hasn’t been called upon many times because he’s a cog in a very effective defence which has worked brilliantly so far. He’s pulled off a string of fine saves — particularly one against Scotland when it really mattered — and I’ve loved to see him both rollocking and encouraging his defenders.
      Jordan Pickford has stepped up when it mattered.Peter Shilton
      “He had that blip when he miskicked against Ukraine but the match was already won by then and he got away with it.
      “But our defence was not breached yet again — and with Raheem Sterling and Kane now on fire up front we will take some beating.
      “I’ve experienced the agony of penalties in an England semi-final when the Germans knocked us out of the World Cup in 1990 and wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
      Shilton said: ‘England should have enough to beat the Danes and won’t fear whoever they play in the final’Credit: Getty
      He added: ‘Jordan Pickford is on the cusp of becoming a great goalkeeper and has had a terrific tournament’Credit: AP
      “But I’ve a feeling that won’t happen against the Danes — and if it does this team will be ready to win on penalties. Jordan has the great advantage of having saved the penalty that won us our last shoot-out against Colombia at the last World Cup.
      “But he also has a great defence in front of him which works as a unit. We’ve waited so long for a trophy it’s hard to believe that the great Gordon Banks was in goal for us last time we did it.
      “But now it’s the turn of ­Jordan and his teammates and they can do it.” Shilts also paid tribute to England boss Gareth Southgate and predicted a bright future for his squad.
      The whole country is smiling again and looking forward to the game in front of a Wembley full of fans.Peter Shilton
      He said: “I can’t praise Gareth highly enough for the way he’s kept faith with players through thick and thin. Players like Pickford, Kane and Sterling have had their critics but Gareth has stuck to his guns and trusted them and he’s been proved right.
      “After all we’ve had to endure as a nation with Covid over the past 18 months, it’s fantastic that the team is coming good now to give us all a lift.
      “The whole country is smiling again and looking forward to the game in front of a Wembley full of fans like the one I experienced so many times. And this England team won’t let them down.”
      Shilton also praised England boss Gareth SouthgateCredit: Reuters
      He said: ‘Players like Pickford, Kane (pictured) and Sterling have had their critics but Gareth has stuck to his guns’Credit: Rex
      The legend believes Southgate’s new team won’t let us down and will bring the trophy homeCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Meanwhile, Pickford’s wife Megan Davison will also put her faith in him keeping a clean sheet — with some help from a crystal healing bracelet.
      Megan, 27, has worn the band — said to provide “emotional balance, stability and calm” — throughout the Euros.
      A source said: “Megan’s been into crystal healing for the last year. She believes it brings harmony and wellbeing, not just for her but also for those around her.”
      Jordan Pickford shows his goalkeeping skills at England training More