England are hoping to reach their first major tournament final since 1966 as they take on Denmark tonight.
Gareth Southgate’s men will walk out at Wembley knowing a win will set up a first-ever Euros cup final tie with Italy next weekend.
National optimism and pride is at an all-time high following England’s performance in the knockout stages – which saw the Three Lions defeat old foes Germany in the round of 16 before walloping Ukraine 4-0 in the quarter-finals.
These pulsating victories followed 1-0 wins over Croatia and Czech Republic in the group stage, where England also drew 0-0 with Scotland.
Southgate’s men are yet to concede a goal all tournament.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nonetheless, their opponents for the evening are sure to provide a stiff test.
Denmark have defied all expectations by making it to the semi-finals – with many predicting the squad to crumble in the wake of the horrific incident during their opening Euros group game.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Danes’ talisman Christian Eriksen collapsed suddenly and unexpectedly after suffering cardiac arrest in the game with Finland. The midfielder was given emergency medical assistance and has since recovered in hospital – much to the relief and delight of the footballing world.
Denmark went on to lose their first two matches of Euro 2020 – 1-0 to Finland and 2-0 to Belgium. But since then the side have shown tremendous resolve to turn into the surprise package of the tournament – proceeding to wallop Russia 4-1 in their final group game before battering Wales 4-0 in the last 16.
They defeated Czech Republic 2-1 in the quarter-final on Saturday – and are now hoping to write an even greater fairytale than the one that saw them lift the continental trophy at Euro ’92.
ADVERTISEMENT
And it sounds like they’re confident they can do it.
When Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was asked about what Denmark would be doing to prevent ‘football coming home’, the Leicester goalkeeper responded with a cheeky dig.
“Has it ever been home? I don’t know, have you ever won it?”
🗣 "What would it mean to you guys to stop it 'coming home' tomorrow night?"
Support for this gutsy Kasper Hjulmand Denmark side has grown louder with every passing day – but cheers for the Red & Whites will be largely drowned out by a raucous England following this evening.
60,000 fans are allowed into Wembley – but travel restrictions will prevent many Danes from attending. 6,000 tickets have been made available to Danes living in the UK – with the Danish FA sending 1,000 jerseys to London.
ADVERTISEMENT
The winner of England v Denmark will meet Italy in the final – who edged out Spain on penalties last night (July 6) following a 1-1 draw after extra-time.
The hype has been building all week. But Southgate says he is keeping his feet on the ground.
“Our preparations have been calm and we know we are playing a very good opponent,” the England manager stated.
“It’s going to be a really tight game and an exciting game for everybody.”
Sport
Kyle Walker announces retirement from international football with England at 35
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City star and England defender has announced his retirement from international football at 35 years old.
He calls it a day for his country with nearly a century of appearances.
Kyle Walker, who has won six Premier Leagues, four Carabao trophies, a pair of FA Cups and a Champions League title with Man City, made his national team debut back in 2011.
Now, nearly a full decade and a half later, he is hanging up his boots on the biggest stage, retiring as England’s most capped right back in history.
As you can see, he confirmed the news in a highlight video looking back on her best moments with the Three Lions.
Sharing a lengthy and emotional statement in the caption, the Yorkshireman wrote: “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.”
His last appearance in an England shirt came in June against Senegal, since dropping out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice team and future plans, with both form and age no doubt being factored into that decision.
Walker added: “The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.”
96 caps 🧢 Five major tournaments 🏴 A #ThreeLions legend ⭐
He went on to sign off by saying, “I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”
The Sheffield-born fullback left Manchester last year following a loan spell at AC Milan, before joining fellow Premier League side Burnley FC permanently this past July.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are staring down relegation back to the Championship; however, this step will no doubt help Walker prolong his club career, whether or not he stays in Lancashire.
Where does Walker rank among the all-time England defenders in your mind?
Featured Images — Oleg Bkhambri (via Wikimedia Commons)/England (screenshot via YouTube)
Sport
Wigan Warriors’ Bevan French out for around four months with major muscle injury
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors player Bevan French has unfortunately been ruled out for roughly four months following a fairly serious muscle injury.
An important playmaker and cog in the wider team, his absence will surely be felt.
French, 30, is said to have suffered a hamstring tear during the win over Toulouse Olympique this past weekend, and while not as severe as a full rupture, Bevan has now been told by the club he will be sidelined for approximately 16 weeks, according to head coach Matt Peet.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after learning the news, he provided a number of updates from the physio room, including the latest on Jai Field, who French had been filling in for at fullback.
While Wigan are currently leading the Super League once again, they will be without one of their key Warriors with just under a dozen games left in the season.
The Greater Manchester club’s quadruple-winning boss and former Coach of the Year admitted that, despite some obvious disappointments in the immediate aftermath, his “positive” and “philosophical” attitude has already kicked in.
He’s quite philosophical, Bevan. He quickly flips a switch.
“Now he knows the timeframe and the schedule for his recovery, like most professionals, he can get his head down now and focus on the present”, said the 41-year-old.
The Australian stand-off/fly-half has regularly run the show in red and white, and even amid periods out of the squad, he remains an understandable fan favourite and integral part of the team when fit.
You only need to hear pundits and peers alike describing him as a “special” talent to know how much of a big miss he’ll be.
As mentioned, Peet also shed more light on Field, who dropped out with appendicitis last week and is himself set for around four to five weeks away.
For now, youngster Noah Hodkinson is being given the chance to fill the void and work his way into the first team after regularly impressing in the reserves.
Nevertheless, they could have really done with him ahead of their upcoming games.
Domestically, all three of Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and St Helens aren’t far behind them in the table, so it could prove to be a tasty remainder of the 2026 campaign.
You can watch the highlights from the result against Toulouse on Saturday, 7 March, here.
The Manc -
7th July 2021 
