Deep down, we all hoped it could happen, but who seriously thought we would talk about England’s path to the Euro 2020 final when the competition started just under a month ago?
Gareth Southgate’s side group performances may not have filled us with too much confidence, but they have grown into the tournament as it has evolved and are now just 90 minutes from claiming their first ever European Championship title.
All that stands in the way of the Three Lions and the success of the big tournament is Roberto Mancini’s Italy – the side that by the way has not been beaten in 33 matches – and we have taken the chance to look back on their way to the final of Euro 2020 (we will only keep repeating it until it actually sinks in – ENGLAND’S ROAD TO THE FINAL IN EURO 2020).
England hardly started their campaign in style, although a victory over what appeared to be their toughest group opponents in Croatia was a huge boost to their confidence.
After a hectic start to the game where Southgate’s men threatened to blow away the opposition, the home team failed to break the deadlock and the Croatians began to grow into the game.
Just over ten minutes after half-time, England finally broke the deadlock when Kalvin Phillips hit the ball through to Raheem Sterling before the Manchester City striker hit home.
Croatia offered a little in the way of an answer and the Three Lions campaign got off to a winning start.
While England went into their second group game against Scotland as massive favorites, their tough rivals refused to roll over and did brilliantly to hold on and take a well-deserved point.
The chances for both sides were few and far between, with John Stone’s nod crashing against the post almost on each side to break the deadlock.
The shots grabbed almost all three points as Stephen O’Donnell’s volley darted into the far corner, but Jordan Pickford did brilliantly to get down and palm the Motherwell man’s effort away from goal.
England had already qualified for the knockout rounds when they met the Czech Republic in their last group trip, although the top spot was on the way when the teams met at Wembley.
Jack Grealish finally got his first start in the competition and the Villa man grabbed an assist when his post after the post was led home by that man Sterling again.
England did what they had to when they looked like the 1-0 victory and went on to 16 years as group winners where they would face old enemies Germany.
Many speculated that second place in Group D would actually have been more advantageous than finishing in the top spot, but if England were to advance to the later rounds they would have to hit a top spot sometime along the way.
While Germany can never be underestimated in a major competition, Joachim Low’s side was far from the machine we have seen in recent tournaments and England took full advantage when securing a 2-0 victory.
With the game on the verge of overtime, Sterling again produced the goods for his country when he knocked home Luke Shaw’s cross, with Harry Kane setting the score no doubt late.
Oh, and it would be foolish of us not to mention the Thomas Muller miss sandwiched between the two goals – how did he place it !?
England got their first assignment away from Wembley in the quarterfinals when they met Ukraine in Rome.
If the three lions’ screens so far had us on the edge of our seats, this one was much more comfortable, with Kane taking his second Euro 2020 goal in the first four minutes.
The result never looked doubtful as Harry Maguire doubled England’s lead with a powerful header, with quick goals from Kane and Jordan Henderson securing a convincing victory for Southgate’s side as they advanced to the semi-finals.
That was it. England had never reached a European Championship final, but could this be the night?
Once again they could not take advantage of their hectic start and when Mikkel Damsgaard’s fantastic free kick with long range flew past Pickford and into the beginning of the net, the Three Lions fans began to get the familiar sinking feeling.
Do not worry, this England team is made of stricter stuff and they gathered to strike back just nine minutes later with the permission of Simon Kjær’s own goal.
As the clock ticked closer to full-time, the Danes began to get tired, but the brilliant Kasper Schmeichel threatened to spoil the England party with a series of impressive saves.
But when Sterling jumped past Joakim Maehle in extra time and was taken down in the area, the referee pointed to the spot to give Southgate’s side the chance to reach the Euro 2020 final.
Kane stepped up and despite Schmeichel’s heroic savings, his spot kick followed the Tottenham man in to beat the winner.
And breathe. It’s been a whole ride England fans, let’s hope there’s one last glorious chapter coming on Sunday!
