England into Euros final after ending Danish dream run

Friday, 9 July 2021 00:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring their second goal - Reuters

LONDON (Reuters): England and their long-suffering fans finally have the chance to add another trophy to the 1966 World Cup after they overcame Denmark 2-1 in extra-time on Wednesday to reach the European Championship final for the first time.

Harry Kane’s goal, following up after his penalty had been saved, finally saw off battling Denmark to set up a Sunday showdown against Italy, also looking to shake off the ‘60s as they seek to win the title they last lifted in 1968.

On a night to remember in front of almost 60,000 roaring fans, England fell behind to Mikkel Damsgaard’s superb free kick, equalised with an own goal, dominated the game and then won it via their captain, albeit somewhat unconvincingly, in the 104th minute.

“Unbelievable – what a game though,” said Kane. “We dug deep and we got there when it mattered. We reacted really well – we’re in a final at home, what a feeling.”

It was of course a particularly special night for coach Gareth Southgate, whose penalty shoot-out miss sent England out of the semi-finals of Euro 96. “We said to the players at some point we’re going to have to show resilience and come back from setbacks, and we did that tonight,” he said.