THE FINAL SAY
Kane the hero as England defeat Danes
ENGLAND last night ended their 55-year wait to reach a major tournament final as Harry Kane’s controversial extra-time strike secured them a Wembley showdown with Italy.
Denmark’s Mikkel Damsgaard had stunned the 66,000-strong crowd on the half-hour by firing a 30-yard free-kick past Jordan Pickford — the first goal England had conceded at the tournament.
But just before half-time, Harry Kane set Bukayo Saka free down the right and his cross
was turned into his own net by Denmark centre-back Simon Kjaer. There was controversy in extra time when Raheem Sterling went down in the box under what looked like minor contact from Joakim Maehle, but Dutch referee Danny Makkelie awarded the spot kick. Despite furious Danish protests, the award remained after a VAR check to hand Kane the chance from the spot. His first effort was kept out by Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel but the Tottenham man was there on the rebound to send England fans delirious. It sealed England’s first final since the 1966 World Cup at Wembley this Sunday against Roberto Mancini’s Italy. Sterling told ITV: ‘It was a top performance — we had to dig in deep after the first goal we have conceded in the tournament. We regrouped well and showed a good team spirit to come back and win the game. ‘It was difficult going behind but we knew we had to stay patient — we knew with the legs we’ve got and the power we have in the team, it would just be a matter of time before we broke them down.’ Unsurprisingly Sterling defended the penalty decision in his favour, adding: ‘I went into the box, he stuck his right leg out, and it touched my leg so it was a clear penalty.’ Despite the celebrations, Sterling insisted the focus would almost immediately shift to the final against Italy. ‘It’s another step in the right direction,’ he added. ‘But once we’re back in the dressing room it’s over and we’ve got to focus on the