Harry Kane fired England to just their second major tournament final as Gareth Southgate’s men secured a 2-1 extra-time victory over Denmark to set-up Sunday’s shot at Euro 2020 glory.
After topping their group, beating Germany and swatting aside Ukraine, this semi-final victory gives the Three Lions a chance to follow in the footsteps of the triumphant 1966 World Cup side by lifting silverware at Wembley.
Italy lie in wait after a pulsating semi-final under the arch on Wednesday night, when Simon Kjaer’s own goal cancelled out a superb Mikkel Damsgaard free-kick and Kasper Schmeichel kept the white shirts at bay to take the tie to extra-time.
Dutch referee Danny Makkelie found himself a central character in the drama when he awarded a 104th-minute spot-kick for Joakim Maehle’s challenge on Raheem Sterling which survived a VAR check.
Kane’s attempt was saved, but he converted to rebound to lift the roof off a packed Wembley to exorcise the ghosts of Italia 90 and Euro 96.
England will reconvene at headquarters on Sunday evening when Roberto Mancini’s men will attempt to deny them they prize they have craved for 55 years, and it is unlikely to be any less tense.
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