Euro 2020

KASPER SCHMEICHEL has taunted England ahead of their big Euro 2020 semi-final and sneered: How can it come home when you’ve never won it?Schmeichel and Denmark stand in the way of Gareth Southgate’s side and a place in Sunday’s European Championship final amid a wave of optimism across England.
Denmark star Kasper Schmeichel has mocked England for saying ‘It’s Coming Home’Credit: PA
The Danes stand between Gareth Southgate’s men and a place in Sunday’s Euro 2020 finalCredit: PA
But the Leicester star dismissed the ‘It’s Coming Home’ message sweeping the nation – because unlike Denmark the Three Lions have never won the Euros.
Schmeichel, 34, said: “Has it ever been home? Have they ever won it?
“1966? Was that not the World Cup?
“To be honest, I haven’t given any thought to what it would mean to stop England, more than what it would do for Denmark.
“I’ve focused very little on the England national team, it’s what it would do for our country back home, the joy it would bring to a country of only five-and-a-half million, to be able to do something like that, or compete with the nations we’re competing with.”
The Foxes keeper delivered his cutting retort with a smile, but it failed to conceal the inner drive and belief he has that Denmark will bring England’s world crashing down around them tomorrow.
Denmark have received universal credit for their amazing character and unity in the wake of Christian Eriksen’s shocking cardiac arrest in the opening game defeat to Finland.
But Schmeichel insists the world are only seeing what the Danes have known for months – they have a bond and togetherness that can see off any challenge.
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He added: “This group has always been special, we’ve said it for many years. It just came to light in a very dramatic way.
“But we have never been in doubt of the collective strength and the spirit we have in this team.
“We’ve always been aware of that, it’s not because it’s brought us closer together, but it’s shown the world what we have.
“What it has done, for the country of Denmark, is that we’ve experienced something as a country quite shocking and that’s definitely brought the country closer together.
“The support we’ve seen back home is like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my career, in my life, and unlikely to even see anything like it again.
“But it shows what football can do, it shows the reason why we play team sports, because when one of your team-mates is in need, your mates are there for you, and I think that’s why we’ve been shown so much love from everywhere, but particularly at home.”
The image of Eriksen is looming over everything Denmark have done so far in the tournament – and boss Kasper Hjulmand embraces the emotion going into tomorrow’s Wembley clash.

And it is not lost on the boss that the stadium is somewhere Eriksen plied his trade at club level when Tottenham spent the best part of two seasons using it as their home.
Hjulmand said: “There’s communication between the players and Christian, and I have talked with him and I’ve told him so many times that I think about him.
“Even when we got in here, I thought that we would play to Wembley in his old stadium, so he is with us and we still play for and with him. There’s no doubt about that.”
England faced Denmark twice in the Nations League, with the Danes winning at Wembley and drawing back in Copenhagen.
Coupled with a number of other impressive results, Hjulmand is having none of the suggestions his side go into the match as underdogs.
He added: “We are in a phase with the Danish national team where we move a little bit away from always being underdogs.
“So we take with the quality we have, with the results we’ve been having, the way we play, we try to take the initiative in the matches whoever is on the other side of the pitch and we will try to be proactive.

“We will try to play with courage and we always do that and play forward and try to score the next goal.
“I don’t like underdog mentality, but we are for sure not the favourites, of course.
“But our mentality is not to play football like underdogs, just defending and hope.
“No, our mentality is try to take control, and be proactive as much as possible, knowing that the opponents are strong and phases of the game we just have to work very, very hard to defend.
“Our mentality is not like we are watching the opponents and think ‘oh, these guys are better than we are’.
“Our mindset is not like an underdog. Our mindset is try to create and attack and be proactive.”
England get into training before Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark More

ITALY fans have taken over Wembley ahead of their Euro 2020 semi-final with Spain.And it was their fans who would end up going happy at the end of the night after a thrilling penalty shootout win.
Italy supporters painted Wembley Way blue ahead of their Euro 2020 semi-finalCredit: Getty
Azzurri supporters took over Wembley on Tuesday pre-matchCredit: Reuters
The Italians started arriving early this afternoon for the Spanish showdownCredit: AFP
And they quickly took over the Wembley areaCredit: AFP
They were in fine voice before making their way into WembleyCredit: Getty
Covid-19 travel restrictions meant supporters from both countries were unable to fly to these shores for the game.
But that did not stopped thousands of those following the Azzurri from painting Wembley Way and the surrounding area blue.
With an increased capacity of 60,000 for the tie, the Spanish were outnumbered at the National Stadium – with an English rendition of ‘It’s Coming Home’ also drowned out by the Italians and Spanish inside Wembley.
As well as the thousands of blue shirts on show, there were nearly as many Italian flags as they ignored the dire weather continued to sing and chant throughout the game.
And even though Italy reached the final – where they will play the winner of England vs Denmark – Roberto Mancini has earlier declared he felt the fan situation was unfair.
He said: “I think it’s pretty unfair if I’m perfectly honest.
“We’re better off playing in front of any crowd as opposed to playing in front of a small number of people; that’s what’s great about football and entertainment in general.
“But I do think it’s very unfair that we don’t have half the stadium full of Italian fans and half the stadium full of Spaniards.”
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The thousands of Italians inside roared their side onto victory after a thrilling semi-final.
Federico Chiesa had broke the deadlock with a superb curling effort before Alvaro Morata forced extra-time.
But the Juventus striker turned villain in the shootout, as he and Dani Olmo both missed to send Italy into the final.
They will face the winner of the massive clash between England and Denmark on Wednesday night.
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ENGLAND face Denmark in the semi-finals of Euro 2020 knowing they’re just one game away from their first major tournament final since the 1966 World Cup.The Three Lions have lost their last four semis – including the 2018 World Cup and Euro 96.

Despite convincing knockout stage wins over Germany and Ukraine, Gareth Southgate will know Denmark will pose his side arguably their biggest test of the tournament.
The game takes place at Wembley on Wednesday, with kick-off at 8pm.
UK viewers can watch it on ITV for free or stream via ITV Hub.
BBC One will be showing the highlights at 11.30pm.
And, of course, SunSport will be providing top minute-by-minute coverage with our live match blog.
ENGLAND FORM GUIDE
Southgate produced a tactical masterclass as England won their tournament opener against Croatia 1-0.
But a goalless draw against Scotland – who finished bottom of Group D – left many fearing the worse.
A 1-0 victory over Czech Republic ensured England topped the group – setting up a date with the runners-up from the ‘Group of Death’.
The Three Lions made it look easy as they coasted past Germany 2-0 in the last 16 before hammering Ukraine 4-0 in the quarter-finals in Rome.

DENMARK FORM GUIDE
The Danes’ tournament got off to a horror start after star man Christian Eriksen collapsed in the first half of their opening game against Finland.
Denmark lost that game 1-0, before slipping to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Belgium with their Euro 2020 hopes seemingly in tatters.
But Kasper Hjulmand’s side thumped Russia 4-1 in their final group game to snatch a spot in the last 16, where they destroyed Wales 4-0.
A 2-1 win over stubborn Czech Republic in the quarters ensured they made it to the last four.
And at No10 in the world, they will be England’s highest-ranked opponents at this summer’s competition to date.

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ENGLAND TEAM NEWS
For Southgate, his biggest strength will also prove his biggest headache – his squad depth.
England have been fortunate enough to select a supremely talented 26-man squad.
And with Bukayo Saka returning from a minor knock, Southgate has all 26 stars available.
Among the biggest decisions will be who to start on the right-wing, with Phil Foden, Saka and Jadon Sancho all starting – and impressing – in that position during the tournament.
Elsewhere, Jack Grealish will hope to start in some capacity, but will find it hard to oust Raheem Sterling who has quickly become the favourite for Player of the Tournament.
England are likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1 but have also fielded a 4-3-3 and 3-4-3 / 5-2-3 this summer.
ENGLAND LIKELY LINE-UP (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Phillips, Rice; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane.

DENMARK TEAM NEWS
Denmark are set to stick with their hugely successful 3-4-3 as they aim to spoil England’s party.
With Premier League stars such as Kasper Schmeichel, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Andreas Christensen in the XI, they will have an inside knowledge of many Three Lions stars.
Despite an energy-sapping win over Czech Republic in Baku, Hjulmand is set to name an unchanged team at Wembley.
DENMARK LIKELY LINE-UP (3-4-3): Schmeichel; Christensen, Kjaer, Vestergaard; Stryger Larsen, Hojbjerg, Delaney, Maehle; Braithwaite, Dolberg, Damsgaard.
Harry Kane showed signs of being back to his lethal best in the previous two knockouts stage gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
WATCH OUT FOR…
Harry Kane.
The England captain copped plenty of flak early in the tournament after failing to score in the group stage, looking largely anonymous.
But a goal against Germany and a double in the 4-0 win over Ukraine seems to have lit a fire under him.
Kane nearly had a hat-trick in Rome after his instinctive left-foot volley was smartly saved.
The effort, though, proved the Tottenham man is back to his lethal best, just when England need him most.
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England get into training before Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark More

GLENN HODDLE admits he would have feared for England had they played Denmark in Copenhagen.And the ex-Three Lions boss says he is still waiting for Gareth Southgate’s men to produce a “wow-factor performance” with the Euros final in sight.
Glenn Hoddle is backing England to book their spot in the final
England welcome the Danes to Wembley tomorrow in their first Euros semi-final appearance for 25 years after stuffing Ukraine in the quarter final.
While England’s path to this stage has been relatively straight forward, Denmark’s has been anything but.
The fact they are even in this position is miraculous after their talisman Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest and they were winless from their opening two games.
And Hoddle is thankful that spirit and self-belief – formed in their national stadium in Copenhagen where Eriksen almost lost his life – could be drowned out by an almost-full Wembley stadium.
Speaking at a Betfair event, he said: “If we were playing in Copenhagen then I would be worried.
“With what happened to Christian and everything around that I would be thinking ‘woah’ – but it is reversed.
“As a Denmark fan you are travelling hundreds of miles to a Wembley Stadium with almost 60,000 England supporters.
“They are coming to town. They are coming to our patch and we have to go [smashes fist into his palm] and nullify all that. The fans will take the roof off of Wembley if we start well.
Striker Harry Kane is hitting goalscoring form at the perfect timeCredit: Getty
Boss Gareth Southgate is closing in on England’s first final since 1966Credit: AFP
“And in terms of our strength in depth, that is where we are way ahead of Denmark. They might beat us though. They are good enough and it is not an easy game.
“We may be tested like we haven’t been tested before in this competition, but, no disrespect, this is Denmark. It is not Belgium of France.”
Hoddle says he is yet to see England blow a team apart, but that may not be a bad thing as Southgate’s men look to be bubbling just at the right time.
And as for those who are still questioning Southgate’s cautious and pragmatic tactics that see England in a Euros semi-final having conceded no goals, Hoddle remains perplexed.
He added: “I haven’t sat and watched England yet and gone ‘wow’. We are yet to be outstanding against an opponent. There were times against Germany when we were way off it.
“But we haven’t conceded, and we are in the semis, and there could still be more from this group and more heights to hit.
“Results wise they have been perfect. 10/10. Performances have been about a 7/10. But the semi-final is the time to go to another level.”
There is a possibility that England’s starting XI tonight could be without Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish after stellar displays from other squad members.
Denmark were given a heroes send-off as they left for WembleyCredit: AFP

On Southgate’s critics, he argued: “These people are wrong. Who are they? Are they managers? You’re talking about the normal fan, no disrespect.
“They might be a solicitor or a laundry lady and be good at their job but they are fans and should get behind the team.
“A lot of people said Sir Alf Ramsey was wrong with his selections and that he didn’t play wingers.
“The question I always ask is that if George Best was English, would he have made that 1966 team? I’m not sure. But after England won it, Sir Alf was the best thing since sliced bread.
“Those people criticising Southgate will have to look at themselves if we win it, and say he’s done a fabulous job.”
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Denmark given heroic send-off by chanting crowd ahead of England clash in Euro 2020 More

SUMMER was the only star missing from England training on Tuesday as Gareth Southgate took charge of a fully-fit squad in chilly conditions.The Three Lions underwent their final workout at St George’s Park before taking the trip to their London base.
Scarves and gloves were the order of the day for England’s workoutCredit: Getty
Many players had to don a wooly hat for the July sessionCredit: PA
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.
While England took the trip to London in the afternoon, Denmark did likewise and were seen off by a crowd of thousands of adoring fans.
Three Lions boss Southgate faces a tough selection decision following his side’s confident displays thus far.
England undertook their final session in Burton before heading to LondonCredit: Reuters
Gareth Southgate has a number of tactical decisions to make before WednesdayCredit: AP
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.
Speaking ahead of the game, Southgate described how valuable his team’s experience of a World Cup semi-final will be for this last-four Euros clash.
He told BBC Sport: “We are better prepared for this semi-final in that we’ve lived it before.
Kalvin Phillips and Mason Mount were two stars feeling the coldCredit: AFP
The Three Lions were quick to get into their warm-up on TuesdayCredit: AP

“And although that doesn’t determine winning or losing a game of football, there are a lot of factors that we are aware of and we have dealt with before that help you to prepare in a better way.
“So for example after the game in Rome the celebrations were at a certain level, while probably in Russia to get through the first knockout game, and the quarter-final, took a lot of emotional energy.
“In Rome, everyone was quite calm about what was going on and we knew we hadn’t achieved what we wanted to yet, so those things are what prepare you for a big match like this.”
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Denmark given heroic send-off by chanting crowd ahead of England clash in Euro 2020 More