The semi-finals of Euro 2020 have come and gone, and no less than seven of the 90-minute Our 21s were part of the festivities.
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Some of them were among the best in the round, but that should not have been a surprise to any of you now. After all, there is a reason why we liked them before the competition started.
This is how the lucky seven went on.
Pedri was outstanding / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Spain was probably the better side against Italy, and a big part of that was the ridiculous performance from Pedri in midfield.
The Barcelona star completed 100% of his passes during the first 90 minutes of the match and had Luis Enrique compare him to Andres Iniesta for his legendary performances this summer.
Torres had some dangerous moments / Justin Tallis – Pool / Getty Images
Ferran Torres played just over an hour of Spain’s defeat against Italy and impressed during the first half with repeated dangerous runs at the Italian back line.
Given that Spain played without a recognized striker, it was a bit disappointing to see Torres placed on the wing, given that Dani Olmo is excellent at everything but leading the line.
Raspadori was left out of the squad / JUSTIN TALLIS / Getty Images
Giacomo Raspadori did not even get on the bench for Italy’s victory over Spain, so he had to watch from the sidelines when Ciro Immobile limped over the finish line again.
The 21-year-old has one last chance to add his minute count, but it seems quite unlikely that Roberto Mancini will turn to him in the final.
It’s a fantastic free kick by Mikkel Damsgaard! ?? #ENGDEN | #ITVFotboll | # Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/0mkPNI9v5m
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 7, 2021
Another day, another world champion from Mikkel Damsgaard.
His Denmark side may have fallen out of England, but Damsgaard is not guilty of it. He hit the only free kick in the tournament so far and became the first person to score past Jordan Pickford when his fantastic strike found the net.
The foot was dangerous from the bench / Andy Rain – Pool / Getty Images
Phil Foden was completely electric and took off the bench in extension against Denmark.
Together with Jack Grealish, Foden Denmark held on with their relentless pursuit of a goal, which sometimes passed the Danes off the field.
Saka was back in the starting lineup / Justin Tallis – Pool / Getty Images
Bukayo Saka’s importance for this England side was emphasized when he was restored to the starting line-up for the Denmark match after recovering from his injury. Gareth Southgate needs him.
It might not have been Saka’s most effective play, but he played a big role in England’s equalizer before he had 20 minutes left.
Bellingham stayed on the bench / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
Southgate could not find a few minutes for Jude Bellingham, who remained on the bench when England booked their place in the final.
The midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips has been too good to disturb, but Bellingham hope to see some playing time from the bench in the final.
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