'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAX/2gAIAQEAAAAAkN//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAF/9oACAECEAAAABP/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/9oACAEDEAAAAD//xAAiEAABAwMDBQAAAAAAAAAAAAADAQIEAAUREhQiI0FCkcH/2gAIAQEAAT8AjitIhgAwO8ZKUjVkGyMzHLnRjTxwip6rYWXwlzEb26I1+V//xAAbEQACAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwABBREhYf/aAAgBAgEBPwBt0arFREd8n//EABkRAAEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIAAQMRIf/aAAgBAwEBPwA5jptX/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
England reached their first-ever European final after beating Denmark 2-1 at the Wembley to set up a clash against Italy in the final on Sunday.
An own goal from Simon Kjaer followed by a Harry Kane strike in the first period of extra-time, saw England through after Mikkel Damsgaard had opened the scoring for Denmark with a fabulous free-kick in the 30th minute.
The Three Lions regrouped quickly and restored parity just nine minutes after falling behind when Simon Kjaer diverted a cross from Bukayo Saka into his own net with Raheem Sterling lurking right behind.
Trending
The second half saw chances at a premium for both teams as extra-time beckoned. Neither side truly carving out many chances, but Raheem Sterling won a penalty after being hacked down inside the area. Replays, though, suggested that there was minimal contact, and the England star went to ground a tad too easily.
Kane's effort from 12 yards was saved by Kasper Schmeichel, but the striker thumped home the rebound to put England in front for the first time in the game.
The Three Lions held on to their lead to reach their first European Championship final. Italy now await Gareth Southgate's men in Sunday's finale, in what promises to be an enticing encounter.
On that note, here are the five key talking points from the game:
#5 Denmark open the scoring with a sublime free-kick
For all their accomplishments at Euro 2020, Denmark came in as the underdogs against England. But they went in front with a fabulous Mikkel Damsgaard free-kick.
Until then, the match was fairly even, with neither team carving out many opportunities. But a foul by Luke Shaw on Andreas Christensen at the edge of the English box threw the Danish Dynamite a lifeline.
Damsgaard stood over the dead ball and whipped home a stunner that gave Jordan Pickford no chance. England's resistance was finally broken with the first free-kick goal at Euro 2020.
#4 England respond strongly and score a swift equaliser
Damsgaard's goal seemed to spur England on. After falling behind, the 'hosts', much to their credit, responded strongly and found their rhythm.
That almost resulted in an immediate goal when Raheem Sterling got in behind the Danish backline and got a shot away from close range. But Kasper Schmeichel was on hand to parry the ball away.
It was a huge let-off for Denmark, but that was short-lived, as Kane sliced their defence open with a sublime key pass for Saka, who scampered down the right before Kjaer inadvertently scored past his own keeper.
Just nine minutes after conceding their first goal at Euro 2020, England swift response was a demonstration of their character and pedigree.
#3 England ride their luck in extra time with a dubious penalty
Neither England nor Denmark showed much purpose in extra time, as the players were visibly exhausted. Although England managed to retain most of the ball and push Denmark on the back foot, clear-cut chances weren't forthcoming.
But then, out of nowhere, Sterling won a penalty after being fouled inside the area. However, replays suggested there was hardly any contact. Even if there was, it was too soft, and the Manchester City star essentially dived to win the spot-kick.
Kane stepped up to take it but saw his effort saved. He was, however, on hand to fire home the rebound as the Three Lions were in front for the first time in the match.
But they deserve to be? Certainly not, as the penalty shouldn't have stood after the VAR check, and there was a hint of good fortune as well, as the ball fell straight into Kane's path after his original strike was kept out.
#2 Harry Kane on the cusp of another Golden Boot
After the group stage, the Euro 2020 scoring chart had Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge with five goals while Harry Kane hadn't even opened his account in the tournament.
Fast forward to the present day, Ronaldo's Portugal were eliminated in the Round of 16, while his Tottenham Hotspur counterpart now lurks just one goal behind him in the tournament's goalscoring charts.
Following up with his strikes against Germany (1) and Ukraine (2), the striker was on target against Denmark, albeit fortuitously, as his penalty was kept out. But Schmeichel spilled the save into Kane's path, and the Englishman made no mistake with the rebound.
In the process, Kane became the first English player to score four goals in the knockout stage of a major tournament since George Hurst in 1966.
#1 England on the cusp of their first major title in 55 years
For the first time since their FIFA World Cup triumph in 1966, England find themselves in a major tournament final. And it's pretty well deserved, too, considering how the Three Lions have fared at the tournament.
While their performance against Denmark wasn't their best by any means, there's no denying that England have been mighty impressive at Euro 2020. They are yet to concede a goal from open play, and it took a stunning free-kick to bulge the English net.
England's attack has also come together in the knockout stage, especially with Kane hitting the throttle, while Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka continue to be huge threats going forward.
Gareth Southgate's team have their shortcomings, but they certainly have the wherewithal to go all the way. However, Italy are no mugs either and boast fine quality in their ranks as they look to end a long European title drought of their own.
Nevertheless, a cracker possibly awaits at Wembley on Sunday.
