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England make their fans proud in a different way - they're one step closer

After 120 minutes of the most nerve-shredding, heart-in-a-washing-machine football you will see, ...



Soccer

England make their fans proud in a different way - they're one step closer


After 120 minutes of the most nerve-shredding, heart-in-a-washing-machine football you will see, England beat Denmark to secure their first international final for 55 years.

Mikkel Damsgaard's incredible first-half free-kick dipped under Jordan Pickford's bar during a 20 minute period in the first half where Denmark were dominant.

England started brightly, full of purpose on a night where Wembley was rocking to the tune of 60,000 fans and the beats of DJ Tony Perry banging out Sweet Caroline and Atomic Kitten.

After Damsgaard's goal, Kasper Schmeichel made a stunning close-range save from Raheem Sterling that may have set another narrative in train, only two minutes later Simon Kjaer put the ball into his own net.

Southgate's men were professional against a Danish side who were as good as their billing and more.

The Danes' industry, poise and clinical passing was superb throughout, but they definitively flagged towards the end of the second half.

After the tournament they have had, who can blame them.

As extra time began, England turned the screw. Sterling went down under a challenge from Joakim Maehle, and was awarded a penalty one might file under 'seen them given'.

Schmeichel's save was buried by Kane. They were on their way. Grealish had come on - and went off again - as England saw out the match.

They made their fans feel a way only football can.

Southgate and England

This isn't the place for opinion, but you're reading the words of an England fan who has never felt pride in that tag. It has always felt exclusive or jingoistic.

For all of the nonsense and chaos of governments who have deliberately sowed and fostered division, England's players and coaching staff have emerged as real leaders for their country.

Gareth Southgate has deftly managed relationships with his players, and steadily calmed the fears of fans not by drumming up more but by being a presence of poise and kindness. He has made his players care for one another, and confident in their abilities.

There will always be people to boo the anthems or throw chairs, but that England is not represented by this England.

It remains to be seen whether 'it' is coming home, but Southgate and his men have inspired a new generation of football fans and young players to believe in themselves and those around them.

Whatever happens on Sunday, it will be a meeting of two nations of many that have been through the ringer in the past 15 months.

Whoever wins, it should be some spectacle.

Football on Off The Ball, with Paddy Power’s SaveOurGame, Donating 10k to Irish football for every goal England score at the Euros.

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