England qualified for the semi-finals of the European Championship for the first time since 1996. The team of national coach Gareth Southgate had little trouble with Ukraine in Rome and recorded its biggest win ever at a European Championship: 0-4. The biggest European Championship victory of the world champion in 1966 was the 4-1 victory over the Netherlands in 1996. England will play next Wednesday against Denmark, which won 1-2 against the Czech Republic. “I think we just have to realize that we are in a semi-final for the third time in three years. We now want to go two steps further,” emphasized Southgate.
Three years ago, England stranded at the World Cup in Russia in the semi-finals against Croatia and in 2019 the Nations League adventure also stopped in the semi-final. Then the Netherlands was 3-1 too strong. “It was great to see our supporters, beer in hand. They really enjoyed it. It’s been a long year for everyone and our last two games have already brought people good luck. This is fantastic for our country,” emphasized the national coach of the Three Lions.
62nd appearance for England ??
1st goal for the Three Lions?????????????????? Unforgettable moment for Jordan Henderson! @JHenderson | @England | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/4Naa6kJ6Yk
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 3, 2021
“Something very special is going on here,” ex-striker Alan Shearer exulted in the studio of the BBC. The former international sees England grow in the tournament. “We started a bit difficult, but every game gets better. Really very, very positive. Well done Gareth and well done England! My head tells me to stay calm, but my heart is being carried away.” Rio Ferdinand says he has “even more confidence” in a good outcome.” “The biggest compliment I can give this team is that I have never seen such a close collective before.”
“All the players who come in have a positive influence on the game. The manager uses his entire roster. This team is very difficult to fight,” emphasized the former defender. Harry Kane, who scored twice against Ukraine, also thinks it’s time for a prize. “We are on the right track and where we wanted to be. For the World Cup three years ago, we made a plan and are taking it step by step. The World Cup was great, although we just came up short, and in the Nations League we have we also did well.”
“Now we have to go beyond that. On Wednesday we have to take the next step with a more experienced team than we had in 2018. We also play big matches at our clubs and are full of confidence. Hopefully we can keep that.” Italy and Spain will play the first semi-final at Wembley on Tuesday, a day later England-Denmark is scheduled at the same stage. The final is on Sunday, also in London.
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