‘Fantastic, ruthless’

Harry Kane celebrates his brace. Pics/AFP

England return to Wembley two wins from a first European Championship title after recording their biggest ever victory at the tournament with a 4-0 demolition of Ukraine in the quarter-finals in Rome.

Having successfully negotiated a trip to the Stadio Olimpico with a flourish, Gareth Southgate's team will have the support of some 60,000 fans when they take on Denmark on Wednesday for a place in the final. Three years on from a bitter World Cup semi-final loss to Croatia, England have the chance to move on from that disappointment and end a long wait for silverware. With the remainder of the competition to be played in London and Covid-19 restrictions severely limiting travelling fans, they are unlikely to get a better opportunity of adding to the 1966 World Cup win.

England captain Harry Kane (right) heads to score his second goal and the team's third against Ukraine during the Euro 2020 quarter-final in Rome on Saturday

"Teams have to go on a bit of a journey to progress. We've had some great nights over the last four years but we've also had some painful ones and that's definitely helped us prepare," said Southgate.

Tottenham striker Harry Kane looks to have rediscovered his form at the perfect moment. "They gave a fantastic performance. I thought the players were decisive and ruthless all night," added Southgate.

England ripped apart a vulnerable Ukraine defence. In fact, such was England's dominance that Jack Grealish, who played a vital role coming off the bench in the win over Germany, was kept in reserve along with Phil Foden.

"We're on the right track, but we've done nothing yet. We have a massive semi-final at Wembley," said Kane. Speaking of the semi-final, Southgate said: "We've got to play well, it's a fabulous opportunity. It's a chance to make history. We've never been to a European Championship final."

Also Read: Euro 2020: Denmark beats Czech Republic 2-1 to reach semifinals

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