England 2-1 Denmark (aet): 5 talking points as Three Lions book final date with Italy | UEFA Euro 2020

#3 England ride their luck in extra time with a dubious penalty

Kane scored off a rebound

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.

📸 - STERLING GOES DOWN! PENALTY ENGLAND! pic.twitter.com/h4MlSgXAxw

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) July 7, 2021

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

Kane needs to score in the final to match Ronaldo and Schick's tally

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.

🦸‍♂️ ONE FOOT IN THE FINAL! ⚽ No player in history has scored more goals for England at international tournaments (10) than Harry Kane. #EURO2020 #ENG pic.twitter.com/NaiQpBuzrE

— 10bet (@10betSports) July 7, 2021

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

Only Italy now stand in England's way of a major international trophy.

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.

The #EURO2020 final is set!🇮🇹 Italy vs England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/khz2J965Bk

— 90min (@90min_Football) July 7, 2021

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.