Euro 2020: Semi-Finals Preview
So England are still here…
It’s still coming home- life is good.
England’s demolition of Ukraine was another statement of intent from Gareth’s gutsy group, they are young, fearless, and brilliant.
Pickford, Maguire, Stones, Shaw, Rice, Sterling, Grealish, Kane are just a few names who have stepped up and delivered for their country. I said after the drab 0-0 draw against Scotland that it’s about time Southgate’s favourites delivered when it really matters, and they answered my doubts emphatically.
Maguire and Stones have been rock solid at the back, whilst Sterling and Kane have both been in inspired form in attack.
Elsewhere in the Quarter-Finals, Italy ended any hopes Belgium had of a truly ‘golden generation’ with an all-round accomplished display. They were exhilarating going forwards and a brick wall at the back, a modern adaptation on the Italy of old.
Denmark’s inspiring journey continued as they defeated a strong Czech side 2-1 to set up a mouth-watering Semi-Final with England at Wembley. Finally, Spain needed penalties to get past the stubborn Swiss, relying on a little bit of luck to progress to the Semi-Finals, where they face Italy.
“Game 1 - My Prediction: Italy 2-0 Spain”
It’s hard to look past Italy to win this match, few would have said it before a ball was kicked but going by their performances, surely they are favourites to win the tournament now.
There’s no doubt that it’s going to be a battle against a young and exciting Spanish side but Italy have been a joy to watch whilst still being formidable at the back. In Chiellini and Bonucci they also have two immensely experienced players who bring a level of leadership that the Spanish side don’t have.
Spain play eye-catching football at times but they are also wasteful.
They can’t afford to be wasteful against Italy who won’t give them many chances and if Spain do find a way through, they have to find a way past Donnarumma who at just 22-years old has been a calming presence for his back four, making world class saves game after game.
Therefore, I think Spain will find the Italian’s one step too far and Mancini will lead his country to a remarkable final, just 3 years since Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup.
“Game 2 - My Prediction: England 2-1 Denmark”
This is it. It is time for heroes. Heroes that will live on eternally in the memory of English football. England have a chance that may not come around again in most people’s lifetime.
They have a chance to finally end the curse which has lasted 55 long-years since the famous 1966 triumph and make amends for 1996 when England fell at the same stage at Wembley stadium, the same venue for Wednesday’s highly anticipated Semi-Final.
Southgate’s message should be clear- go out and play without fear, take the game to Denmark and keep doing what you have been doing throughout the tournament and you will win.
Denmark are a very good side and deserve enormous credit for getting this far but England at their best are superior. They have better players and have yet to concede a goal. So, anything but a win will be massively disappointing in front of over 60,000 fans at Wembley.
To get this far again and fall short even as the favourites, really would be history repeating itself.
This group of players have already overcome one big psychological barrier, beating Germany in a major tournament in a controlled and calm fashion.
So, this next barrier can also be conquered, setting up a momentous final on the 11th where football finally could find it’s way back home.