London: Harry Kane’s extra-time goal saw England in the European Championship finals defeating Denmark 2-1 at the Wembley Stadium on Thursday. The Three Lions will play their first-ever final in any major tournament after 55 years, since winning the 1966 World Cup.
England came into the tie as the favourites but Denmark took an astonishing lead in the 30th minute when Mikkel Damsgaard scored from a free-kick ending Jordan Pickford’s run of 725 minutes without conceding. The lead was short-lived as England got the equaliser after Danish captain Simon Kjær attempt to clear a Bukayo Saka header went into his own net nine minutes later.
The second half saw plenty of action as both teams held on to their score and took the tie to the extra time for a record seventh time in the tournament. At 103rd minute Raheem Sterling was brought down inside the box by Joakim Maehle forcing the referee to award a penalty. Kasper Schmeichel was able to block Harry Kane’s spot-kick but was rendered powerless when the skipper scored on the rebound.
This was Kane’s fourth goal in this tournament and took his tally to 10 putting him on a level with Gary Linekar for most goals for England in a major tournament. The exit was tough for Denmark as it ended their emotional rollercoaster from Christian Eriksen’s collapse to playing their first semifinal since the Danes won it in 1922.
With England facing Italy at Wembley in the final, it is going to be their endeavour to make the final rendition of “Football’s Coming Home” ring.
