England has shown that they can meet rising expectations.Denmark's resilience and ability to recover are what will keep them from reaching the first major final since 1966 World Cup.After Christian Eriksen, the Danes' midfielder, suffered a heart attack in their tournament opener against Finland in Copenhagen, they have now reached the semi-finals.Before Wednesday's kick-off, we will take a moment to recall the most tragic incident of the tournament. Harry Kane will present the No 10 jersey with Eriksen's name signed by England to Denmark's captain Simon Kjaer.What is perhaps most amazing is the fact that Denmark managed to reach the final four for the first-time since 1992, when Eriksen unexpectedly won the European Championship.Jessica Creighton, a Sky Sports News reporter, has all the latest news from England's camp as they train together in preparation for their Euro 2020 semi-final match against Denmark.Kasper Hjulmand's team came to Euro 2020 in exceptional form. They lost only twice in 28 matches, but they lost the first two games - 1-0 to Finland (in the game overshadowed in Eriksen's incident) and 2-1 to Belgium, despite an encouraging performance.Denmark has won four matches against Russia and Wales since then before beating the Czech Republic 2-1 in the quarter-final.England's success at Euro 2020 is based on their defense, with no goals conceded in five games. Only one of those five games was played away from Wembley. England has kept seven consecutive clean sheets, and they have not conceded a goal for 662 minutes.1:06 Carsten Werge, TV2 Denmark, says that the Wembley crowd will provide England with a huge home advantage in their Euro 2020 semi finalThis group is smiling, as you can see from the photos of team members playing on inflatable unicorns throughout the week at St George's Park. They have reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and were part of the inaugural Nations League one year later. There is a strong determination to win this time.Gareth Southgate stated, "We've overcome so many hoodoos and perceived barriers already, and I feel that this group of players will feel it is the next challenge.""I think the most interesting thing for us is that we won't feel completely satisfied if it's only a semi-final. However, three years ago, even though there was huge disappointment after the semifinal, there was still a feeling that we had come a long distance.1:53 Carlton Cole describes Denmark as a great team and believes they will be England’s most difficult task at the Euros."We're now able to replicate what we did in the past, but it won't suffice to fulfill the group's needs. This is a positive sign."These young players are getting more positive experiences in England. They are experiencing what it is like to wear an England shirt, have fun, win matches, and have a positive relationship with their fans. This is so crucial for the next generation. If we keep this relationship, we'll get the most out of their talent."News from the teamImage: Bukayo Saka, who has overcome a knock, is now back in good healthAfter overcoming a knock, Fit-again Saka may be fit to start for England. Southgate will have to decide whether to keep a back four or go back to a back 3.Phil Foden and Jack Grealish will be both fresh and vying for recall after not playing in the 4-0 victory over Ukraine.Denmark is not expected to surprise you. They started the tournament with a 4-3-3 configuration, but Eriksen's loss prompted them to reconsider and switch to a 3-man central defense.Skipper Kjaer will be flanked at the back by Jannik Vestergaard, Andreas Christensen, and central midfielders Pierre-Emile Hjbjerg.Joakim Maehle, left-wing back, and Mikkel Damsgaard, the talented Mikkel Damsgaard are the creative elements. Kasper Dolberg scored three goals in just two games since he was given the central striking role.Past meetings England 0 Denmark 1, October 14th 2020Harry Maguire is the talk of the town right now, but a few months back he was struggling to make ends meet after his arrest in Greece last year.The events seemed to be coming to an end when he was issued his marching orders for this tie for two bookable offenses in a miserable 31 minutes.Moments later, Christian Eriksen scored a controversial penalty to celebrate his 100th cap. This was after Kyle Walker was wrongly adjudged to having fouled Thomas Delaney as he attempted to clear the ball.England's frustrations were boiling over when full debutant Reece James was sent home for disobedience.Denmark 0 England 3 – June 15, 2002England dreamed after their three first-half goals led them to the World Cup quarterfinals. This was one of the most impressive performances of the so-called "Golden Generation" under Sven-Goran Ericsson.They led in Japan as early as the fifth minutes of Niigata, Japan when a Rio Ferdinand header, a pinpoint cross by David Beckham, was intercepted by Thomas Sorensen, the Danish goalkeeper.Michael Owen turned and completed coolly from close range, just before Emile Heskey’s first-time strike crept under Sorensen at the half-time break. England lost to eventual champions Brazil in the next match. There were high hopes after this fantastic result.Denmark 0 England 1 - June 11, 1992After Yugoslavia's disqualification due to its dissolution and subsequent war in the region, the backdoor provided a way into Euro 92 for Denmark.Richard Moller Nielsen's team included Brian Laudrup and Peter Schmeichel. They won the tournament, shocking favourites Germany.They began their campaign with a dull goalless draw against Graham Taylor's England. John Jensen's strike at the Malmo Stadion in Sweden was denied them a late winner.Christensen: Kane is in our plansKasper Dolberg, a Denmark striker, says Harry Kane, his England counterpart is "one of the best", ahead of Wednesday's meeting. (Pictures: UEFA 2020)Andreas Christensen is positive that Denmark will find a way for England to subdue Harry Kane on Wednesday, with a spot in the European Championship final at stake.Kane is back in form in the knockout stage, following up his goal at Wembley in 2-0 victory over Germany. Kane also bagged a brace against Ukraine in Rome in the 4-0 thrashing. He had been quiet in the group phase.Christensen believes that the Tottenham striker's skill is evident to Chelsea, and that Denmark might have a surprise in store for them ahead of their Wembley match with Spurs team-mate Pierre Emile Hojbjerg.Carsten Werge, a Danish journalist, says Mikkel Damsgaard has been Denmark's greatest talent since Michael Laudrup at 1:16Christensen was quoted saying that "We know his characteristics, and everybody has an idea about what we can do to him," at a news conference. "Pierre-Emile also has a good understanding of him, so it is possible that he can help you."All players have their own habits, and we should take advantage of them. He has a great foot and is a good finisher in football."I react very strongly to instinct. It is difficult to reach his body because he is so large. However, he has amazing qualities with his feet so don't get too close.1:32 England defender Harry Maguire believes that the pain of losing to Croatia in the semi finals of 2018 World Cup could help them against Denmark WednesdayEngland has reached the semi-final stage of their five matches without conceding any goals. They have won four of their five matches and drawn once. Denmark, on the other hand, is now back on their feet after they lost their first two group games.Southgate's team is favourites to reach Sunday's final. However, Denmark won a 1-0 victory over England at Wembley last Oct in the Nations League. This was a match in which Harry Maguire (and Reece James) were each sent off.Christensen said, "We can use this meeting to make it possible for us to believe that it's possible (to win)." "They have a lot to support them, but also lots of pressure on their shoulders."I feel that we have the ability to play against anyone. They are not that much better as a team.0:50 Kasper Haulmand says he is trying to not be superstitious in the lead up to Denmark's semi-final against England, but he cannot let go of his lucky shirt. (Pictures: UEFA 2020)England will be the most difficult test, but Denmark do not have to worry as Gareth Southgate's team did not score against them in their two Nations League matches earlier this season. Hjulmand's team won even at Wembley last October.Hjulmand was clearly disappointed by the loss of Eriksen, who scored the winning penalty that night. The coach is to be commended for his ability to manage the emotions and the tactics of switching formations mid-tournament, making it work.Sky Sports' Adam Bate, a Sky Sports writer on Denmark, gives us the lowdown here...Image: Gareth Southgate makes important decisions in attackEngland's standout player at Euro 2020 was Raheem Sterling. Harry Kane is back amongst the goals and has the Golden Boot in sight.The semi-finals at Euro 2020 in Wembley saw England win two thirds of its three-pronged attack. But what about the final and third spot?Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho were all deployed in attack this tournament. However, Gareth Southgate, who is notorious for keeping the nation guessing by his line-ups of attacking players, might surprise us again.Sky Sports Football's writers review the options available to Southgate ahead of England's attempt at reaching the first major tournament final for 55 years.You can read the entire selection debate here1:21 Former England and Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes that Gareth Southgate, England manager, is improving every day.As former England striker Alan Smith previews Wednesday's Euro 2020 semi-final, Smith highlighted England's depth and potential to be decisive against Denmark.He stated that he was not certain if Southgate would make any changes. Germany's strength was evidently in its wing-backs, as they demonstrated against Portugal."And Denmark showed some strength in that situation too with Joakim Mhle, who has done so well since they switched to a back three. He was outstanding in his cross against the Czech Republic.0:38 Darius Vassell, a former England striker believes that Bukayo Saka should be allowed to return to England's attack on Denmark in the Euro 2020 semifinal"Is this a game in which Southgate matches up? Is he simply happy with the back four that we used against Ukraine? This is a difficult question, but it also allows you to play with number 10, and Mason Mount. I don't see how he would leave Mason Mount."I see them sticking to a back four, and sticking with an extremely similar team."However, we have seen that substitutions and strength from the bench are just as important than the starting lineups.Image: England celebrates Jordan Henderson's goal against UkraineSouthgate is in a great position with a lot of attacking options. It's a great bonus to have that quality behind him on Wednesday night, especially if it is tight or goes long.Grealish is one player who could play a crucial role off the bench. Grealish showed that he is ready against Germany. He doesn't complain about not starting games, and why should he? He is new to the international arena."But any team would be wary of his coming off the bench with just 20 minutes remaining and tired legs."He is a nightmare in such circumstances because he asks so many questions to a defense and forces defenders into making mistakes. Southgate will use him if necessary.Opta stats1:26 Jamie Redknapp believes that the England team will be more than semi-finalists. He also believes there's no reason they shouldn't win the Euros.England has won only one of six previous competitive meetings with Denmark (D3L2), that was in 2002's World Cup (3-0).This will be England's third major tournament meeting with Denmark. After a draw in the EURO 1992 group stages, England defeated Denmark 3-0 to win the 2002 World Cup.England has won five of the seven Wembley Stadium meetings with Denmark, while Denmark won two. Denmark has won the two most recent competitive games against England at Wembley Stadium (1983 and 2020). No side has ever won three consecutive games against the Three Lions at Wembley.0:41 Former Denmark international Jon Dahl Tomasson pays tribute to how their players and coaches responded after the tragic incident that involved Christian Eriksen during their opening match at the EurosEngland is playing in their third European Championship semifinal. They lost to Yugoslavia 1968 and were eliminated on penalties to Germany 1996. England has played 36 games in the European Championship, more than any other country (36).This is Denmark's fourth appearance at a European Championship semifinal (1964, 1984, and 1992). The Danes went on to win the trophy after their last appearance in four finals of the competition.Denmark has scored 11 goals in EURO 2020 so far. Only Spain (12) has scored more going into the semi-finals. This is the highest number of goals Denmark has scored in a single tournament (World Cup/EURO).1:08 Harry Redknapp urged England's players not to believe the hype in advance of their Euro 2020 semi finalEngland's victory over Ukraine in quarter-final was their largest European Championship win and their most significant win in the knockout stage of any major tournament. They scored more goals against Ukraine than they did in all four of their EURO 2020 matches.Denmark has had seven different goal scorers at EURO 2020. This excludes own goals. Only Germany (2012) had more players score in one edition of the European Championship.England has kept a clean score in five of their EURO 2020 games so far. No team has ever had six clean sheets in one edition of the European Championships or World Cups.0:49 Clinton Morrison declares Declan Rice a must-start for England in advance of their semi-final against DenmarkRaheem Sterling was involved in 22 goals over his 21 England appearances (15 goals, 7 assists), and is leading the charge for goals involvements at EURO 2020 (3 goals. 1 assist).In his 26 last England games, Harry Kane was involved in 27 goals (18 goals, 9 assists). He has scored nine goals in major tournaments (6 World Cup and 3 EURO), while Gary Lineker (England) has more (10).Kasper Dolberg scored three goals for Denmark at EURO 2020. Only two Danish players have ever scored more in a single tournament (World Cup/EURO). Preben Elkjr Hansen (1986 World Cup), and Jon Dahl Tomasson (22) each scoring four.Podcast: England in dreamland Southgate's perfect night in Ukraine is humbledIt doesn't get any more comfortable than this. England's 4-0 victory over Ukraine was controlled and decisive. They will now face Denmark in the Euro 2020 semifinal at Wembley. Are all the stars aligning in Gareth Southgate’s favor? How did he manage to get rid of fear in England?Alice Piper joins Rob Dorsett and Adam Bate to discuss the win at Rome. Luke Shaw plays Jose Mourinho, Harry Kane is back to his best, and England keeps another clean sheet. All looks good, right?
