Just like the first semi-final game of Euro 2020 between Spain and Italy which produced great excitement, the England and Denmark game also lived up to expectations as both teams battled tooth and nail for a place in the final.
Completesports.com‘s AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN relieves some of the key lessons from this enthralling encounter at the Wembley Stadium which the Three Lions won 2-1.
Declan Rice – the Proven Mr Reliable In England Midfield
Rice’s impressive performance against Denmark ended Jordan Henderson’s midfield reign for the Three Lions after a )tidy display in the ongoing Euro 2020. The West Ham midfielder did not put any foot wrong against the Danish team as he controlled the midfield and timed his tackles perfectly.
Kasper Schmeichel Toeing His Father’s Footprint As Denmark Numero Uno
If not for Kasper Schmeichel’s brilliant saves, the story would have been different for Denmark in terms of the scoreline. The Leicester City goalkeeper, who has become Denmark’s number-one goal-tender, was at his best mettle stopping Raheem Sterling and Harry Maguire’s goal-bound header from hitting the back of the net. He may not be blamed for England’s first goal as Denmark captain, Simon Kjaer’s own goal levelled score for the Three Lions. He was also unlucky to pick the ball from the back of his net the second time after watching Harry Kane tuck in the rebound from a penalty.
Stones, Maguire’s Partnership For England Suspicious
The partnership of John Stones and Harry Maguire doesn’t seem to be convincing going by their performance against Denmark. The pair often fail to keep a defensive shape each time Denmark are on the offensive attack. It was obvious in the last group game against Czech and round of 16 victory over Germany.
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Mikkel Damsgaard Scores A Spectacular Birthday Goal
Mikkel Damsgaard silenced the vociferous Wembley fans with his spectacular free-kick that gave Denmark the lead – a goal that serves as best gift for his birthday coming up this Saturday. The strike from Damsgaard was his second of the tournament and was the first direct free-kick goal of this summer’s Euros from any team. It was also the first goal England has conceded at the tournament.
Kane Keeps His Cool To Send England Through
Harry Kane proved to be a leader for the Three Lions when he kept his cool to score a rebound after watching Kasper Schmeichel save his penalty. It’s a rare sight to see Kane lose from 12 yards, but despite losing the crucial penalty, he was well off the mark before the Danish defenders to score the rebound.
That was his fourth goal of the tournament for England, one more than Raheem Sterling who at the onset of the tournament did not shy away from shouldering the goal scoring responsibility for the Three Lions.
