Danes gelded! England in ecstasy after Harry Kane's extra-time penalty rebound goal seals epic 2-1 win over Denmark and puts Three Lions into their first major final since 1966

Danes gelded! England in ecstasy after Harry Kane's extra-time penalty rebound goal seals epic 2-1 win over Denmark and puts Three Lions into their first major final since 1966 - so now bring on Italy!

England are now just one game from football glory after they secured a spectacular victory over Denmark at Wembley, with millions of fans now in dreamland after Harry Kane's extra-time penalty-kick secured the Three Lions' place in Sunday's Euro 2020 final against Italy.

England's nerve-racking game against the Danes went into extra time after the two sides drew 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Denmark's Mikkel Damsgaard scoring the opening goal with a long-distance free-kick before England's Raheem Sterling pressured an own goal.

Wembley broke out into a chorus of Neil Diamond's anthem Sweet Caroline after the final whistle went, with 60,000 spectators including Prince William, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie, and 30 million people in homes and pubs across the country celebrating.

Last night's victory is an historic achievement for England as it seals its place in Sunday's final against Italy - the most important football game for the Three Lions in 25 years, and the first major tournament final the side have managed to reach since the 1966 World Cup.

England supporters in the official fan zone in London's Trafalgar Square jumped with joy as the referee blew the full-time whistle. Supporters applauded and chanted every move from the Three Lions, before descending into singing It's Coming Home as the match ended.

Fans are shirtless and throwing beers into the air, and have grouped together at the London landmark with chants of 'Southgate you're the one' and 'Don't take me home' ringing out. Stewards can be seen trying to move the fans on, but they continue to sing loudly in the fan zone.

People were on the ground, while others could be seen with tears in their eyes. Vic Richards, 22, from Croydon, south London, said: 'I'm still trying to compute what happened, I've never seen England make a final.

'It's beautiful, it's unbelievable, I love this country, the players gave it their all. This is an historic occasion, we may never see this again- now we can start to believe.'

Supporters could be seen jumping on tables and chanting and waving flags. One supporter, named Oliver Ways, 28, from Mitcham, said: 'This time it's coming home, the momentum is with us, I don't care what anyone says. I'm so drunk but I don't care - the game was just how we wanted it.

'I can't believe I'm saying this but England are in a final!'

As the match finished, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge praised the England team for a 'huge team effort'. In a tweet from the KensingtonRoyal Twitter account, the couple said: 'What a game, what a result! A huge team effort @England. The whole country will be behind you on Sunday.'

They added the hashtag #ItsComingHome.

Mr Johnson wrote on Twitter after the game: 'Tonight @England played their hearts out. What a fantastic performance from Gareth Southgate's squad. Now to the final. Let's bring it home.'

Also congratulating the England victory, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted a picture of himself celebrating as he watched the semi-final match on TV, with the hashtag: '#ItsComingHome'.

One overwhelmed fan, Peter Lewis, 18, from Richmond, south-west London, exclaimed: 'Oh my word, I can't believe it! When he missed there was a split second where I thought 'it's not going to happen'. What a captain, what a leader, he followed it up and smashed it home.'

England players took the knee again before kick-off in support of anti-racism, but no boos could be heard. ITV commentators said the atmosphere was 'one of the best' in recent memory and described the 'buzz' and 'sense of occasion' which could be felt in the massive stadium.

William, the president of the Football Association, cheered England alongside Kate and their son George last week. But the prince was without his family because the duchess is self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus.

England captain Harry Kane and teammates celebrate after winning the Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark

England's players celebrate after winning the Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark at Wembley

England's forward Harry Kane celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the match

England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates after England beat Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley

England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates with Harry Kane after the match

England's fans celebrate after the Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark at Wembley

England supporters celebrate their second goal during the Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark

Police officers stand guard at Wembley Stadium after 60,000 spectators break out into celebration

England fans celebrate in Trafalgar Square after England score their second goal during extra-time in a spectacular match

Fans watch the Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark from a giant screen at Vinegar Yard in London

England supporters celebrate England's penalty and second goal as they watch the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final football match between England and Denmark, at the 4TheFans Fan Park in Manchester

England fans celebrate in Trafalgar Square after England score their second goal during extra-time in a spectacular match

England fans celebrate in Trafalgar Square after the Three Lions defeat Denmark and storm through to Sunday's final

Supporters celebrate at the final whistle at the 4TheFans Fan Park at Event City in Manchester

Denmark's Andreas Christensen with a dejected Joakim Maehle after the match

England's Declan Rice and Mason Mount celebrate after the crunch Euro 2020 semi-final match

England's Harry Kane misses a penalty before scoring the rebound at the Euro 2020 semi-final

Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the Euro 2020 semi-final

Kane celebrates with team mates after scoring their side's second goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 match

A fan of England celebrates their side's second goal scored by Kane during the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final

England fans celebrate after Kane scored his side's second goal during the Euro 2020 semi-final

Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge and President of the Football Association, Peter McCormick, Interim Chairman of the Football Association, Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of United Kingdom and his wife, Carrie Johnson celebrates England's victory after the UEFA Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark at Wembley

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie are cheering on every England attack at Wembley

The Duke of Cambridge in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final match at Wembley Stadium

Kane of England celebrates with team mates after scoring their side's second goal during the semi-final match

England's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford rises to punch the ball during the match at Wembley Stadium

England players celebrate their first goal, an own goal by Denmark's Simon Kjaer

England fans inside Hanger 34 in Liverpool react during the Euro 2020 semi-final match

More than 1500 fans watch the Euro 2020 semi-final game at the 4thefans fan park in Manchester

England fans in Boxpark, Croydon celebrate after England score their second goal against Denmark

England supporters celebrate victory at the final whistle of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final match at Boxpark Croydon

England fans in Newcastle's Times Square celebrate at full time as the Three Lions defeat Denmark

England supporters celebrate victory at the 4TheFans Fan Park in Manchester

England fans in Boxpark, Croydon celebrate the Euro 2020 semi-final victory over Denmark at Wembley

England supporters celebrate victory at the final whistle of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final match at Boxpark Croydon

England football fans celebrating the national side's win partying in London's Leicester Square as police look on

England supporters climb on top of a red double-decker bus in central London after the Euro 2020 semi-final

England fans at BOXPARK in Croydon react to Denmark's Simon Kjaer scoring an own goal

England supporters react as they watch a public viewing of the match between England and Denmark, in Croydon

Denmark fans wave flags as they show their support prior to the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark at Wembley

England's Raheem Sterling in action with Denmark's Andreas Christensen and Thomas Delaney

Denmark's Kasper Schmeichel in action with England's Bukayo Saka during the Euro 2020 semi-final

Harry Kane of England and teammates take a knee to support anti-racism prior to the semi-final at Wembley

England fans inside Wembley Stadium before the Euro 2020 semi-final clash against Denmark

England's manager Gareth Southgate gets the ball during the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark

Front row, left to right, Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark, Prince Christian of Denmark, Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, The Duke of Cambridge, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Carrie Johnson in the stands before the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match at Wembley Stadium

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, 49, put on a stylish display as she attended the England vs Denmark football match at Wembley stadium this evening

Dutch referee Danny Makkelie presents a yellow card to England's defender Harry Maguire during the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final football match between England and Denmark at Wembley

England fans watching the epic Euro 2020 semi-final match against Denmark at Trafalgar Square

England fans react at the Vinegar Yard in London as they watch the Euro 2020 semi-final match

England fans celebrate after England score their first goal during their Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley

Fans in Trafalgar Square react to England 's first goal as they watch the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark

England fans in Vinegar Yard, London react during the nail-biting Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark

England fans ahead the Euro 2020 football semi-final match between England and Denmark at Wembley

General view inside Wembley Stadium as England and Denmark players warm up ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final clash

Harry Kane of England leads the team on to the pitch for the warm up prior to the semi-final match against Denmark

Simon Kjaer of Denmark leads the team on to the pitch for the warm up prior to the match

England supporters cheer before the Euro 2020 semi-final football match between England and Denmark at Wembley

Fans cheer prior the start of the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark at Wembley

Boris Johnson heads to Wembley Stadium to watch England play Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final match

Megan Davison, 25, who is engaged to goalie Jordan Pickford and Harry Maguire 's fiancée Fern Hawkins arrived at Wembley this afternoon wearing England cowboy hats

England manager Gareth Southgate waves to the fans before the semi-final match against Denmark

Fans of England show their support in the stands before the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final match at Wembley

England supporters wave flags ahead the semi-final football match between England and Denmark at Wembley

England's Harry Kane during the warm up before the crunch semi-final match against Denmark

Fans of England show their support prior to the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark at Wembley

England fans inside Wembley Stadium ahead of the crunch Euro 2020 semi-final match against Denmark

England fans show their support prior to the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark at Wembley

Comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner look on from the crowd during the Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley

Actor James Corden posted a photo of himself with his family at Wembley Stadium ahead of the semi-final match

Boris Johnson wrote on Twitter after the game: 'Tonight @England played their hearts out. What a fantastic performance from Gareth Southgate's squad. Now to the final. Let's bring it home'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted a picture of himself celebrating as he watched the semi-final match on TV, with the hashtag: '#ItsComingHome'

Beers, cheers and tears – of delight! England fans party into the night after Three Lions beat Denmark in nerve-shredding Wembley thriller

Scenes of jubilation erupted across the country as England secured their place in the Euro 2020 final after beating Denmark 2-1 during a nail-biting showdown tonight.

Scores of supporters leapt for joy and began to party into the night after the Three Lions beat the Danes in front of 60,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium.

England are now just one game from football glory after they secured a spectacular victory over Denmark after Harry Kane's extra-time penalty-kick secured the Three Lions' place in Sunday's Euro 2020 final against Italy.

In Wembley, crowds of fans leapt onto their seats and waves their flags as Gareth Southgate's squad beat their rivals following a nerve-shredding thriller.

Meanwhile in Croydon's Boxpark, hundreds of supporters jumped out of their seats and threw confetti into the air as they joined thousands across the nation in the celebrations.

And fans at a Manchester fan zone jumped for joy and threw beer into the air as the Three Lions beat the Danes.

Tonight's victory is an historic achievement for England, as it seals its place in Sunday's final against Italy in what is the most important football game for the Three Lions in 25 years.

England fans Scarlet Devereux and Lucy Millard, both 18, were elated as they came out of Wembley. Ms Devereux said: 'It was a brilliant game, the atmosphere was absolutely amazing.

Ms Millard said: 'It's the first time in so many years we've been in the semi-finals so it's absolutely amazing. It's coming home.'

John Samonas, 47, who watched the game from the stands with his son Lucas, 13, said the atmosphere in Wembley Stadium was 'surreal'.

Mr Samonas, a ship broker from London, said: 'It was great, I can't believe it - it was surreal. It was amazing, it was exhausting, it was emotionally draining, just let everything out.'

When asked if he thought England could beat Italy in the final, Lucas, who had just watched his first international game, said: 'Southgate can do it - it will be difficult but we can win.'

Jubilant England fans and downcast Denmark supporters have started pouring out of Wembley. Fans released red-coloured smoke and chanted 'it's coming home' as they swarmed out of the venue following England's 2-1 win in extra time.

Addi Hassan, 21, from north London, described England's 2-1 win over Denmark as 'world class'.

He said: 'It was absolutely incredible, absolutely world class, it's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming home.'

When asked if he thought England could beat Italy in the final, he said: '100 per cent, I'm confident, with the home advantage we're bringing it home and Italy are going to lose.'

England fans young and old in Croydon celebrated together as Southgate's men secured their historic win over Denmark.

John Engall, 65, from Bedington, who was 10 during the 1966 World Cup final, said he felt 'absolutely fantastic'.

'I remember '66 but I'm much more ecstatic now than when I was 10,' he told the PA news agency. 'It was a brilliant game, it could have gone either way but well, it seems to have gone our way.'

20 year-old Nandeli Pelembe said: 'I was very nervous in extra time, I thought it was going to go to penalties and I hate penalties.'

He added: 'I've got work tomorrow, but I'm going to have a late one with the boys when we get back home, so that should be good.'

England fans leaving BOXPARK in Croydon said they felt 'absolutely phenomenal' following the win over Denmark, with one describing it as 'the greatest moment of my life'.

Danny McCollum, 24, said: 'How am I feeling? Absolutely phenomenal. The game was brilliant, unfortunately we couldn't score a second goal within two halves but you know what, at the end of the day, brilliant. It's England.'

Another fan travelling back to north London from East Croydon station said: 'After the Germany game I said 'that was the greatest moment of my life'. This has just topped it, and the final on Sunday is going to top it even more, come on England.'

His friend added: 'What a win, we're in the final. And it's about time.'

Police have charged into crowds at Leicester Square who climbed on top of a bus, in total at least 40 people with 20 on top. Approximately 30 police moved in to break up the crowds and get the fans off the top of the bus.

'I hope to never watch anything on the ITV Hub ever again in my life': Fans bemoan ITV's streaming service for poor quality and constant crashing during England's Euro 2020 semi-final clash

Fans have been left enraged by the quality of ITV Hub's coverage of the crucial encounter between England and Denmark.

It's a major occasion for the British public, with England looking to reach the final of a tournament for the first time since the World Cup in 1966, with 60,000 fans making their presence felt at Wembley Stadium.

The television coverage in the United Kingdom has been primarily split across the BBC and ITV throughout the tournament, with both set to broadcast the final on Sunday, July 11.

Both broadcasters offer free-to-use streaming services, which have generally held up well throughout.

The bus, a number 9 to Aldwych, was forced to a stop as dozens of supporters boarded the bus and then clambered on top. Several sat down on the roof, although one also stood holding a St George's flag aloft.

Fans responded by booing and throwing beer cans at the police, and many ran away shouting 'feds'.

Supporters at the fan zone in Trafalgar Square were sparked into life following England's first-half equaliser. Fans began chanting and standing up following Sterling's goal. Every England attack was met with chants and songs and fans looked optimistic following the equaliser.

The atmosphere was electric at Waxy's Little Sister in Leicester Square as England closed out the first half with an equaliser against Denmark.

Fans jumped, screamed and clapped with joy as the goal went in and England's hopes were renewed.

Sam Yevko, 23, from Salisbury, watching the game in the pub, said: 'We never lost faith, we feel absolutely ecstatic after that goal. An own goal from the captain (Denmark's Simon Kjaer) is all we needed just to turn it around, bring on the second half.'

Watching at BOXPARK Croydon, 67-year-old Mark Patel admitted he 'couldn't stand it' when Denmark took the lead but was still confident of an England win.

'It's been very good, I've really enjoyed it,' he told the PA news agency at half-time. I couldn't take it. I had to get up. They're under pressure, but they'll do it.'

Fans at BOXPARK sang a rendition of Robbie Williams' Angels during the half-time break.

Earlier the stadium grounds were awash with red, white and blue, with onlookers describing scenes of 'carnage' as England fans sang 'It's Coming Home' and 'God Save the Queen', let off flares and did knee slides while taking selfies with rival supporters wearing Viking horns.

Fans without tickets to the game went drinking in Leicester Square before heading to the official fan zone in Trafalgar Square. Three dressed as lions said they were watching the match at Wembley, while a fourth was made up as a 'lion tamer' who would 'keep us under control if Denmark win'.

Ben Edwards, 43, Craig Pope, 47, Matt Glew, 38 and 'tamer' Laurence Page, 72, who was wearing an England flag top hat, from Maidstone, said they were confident of victory. Mr Glew said: 'It's our toughest test yet but I reckon we're going to win 2-0.'

Pointing at his lion headgear, the former banker added: 'We paid about £100 per hat but it was worth every single penny, we've been asked for autographs and all sorts.'

Mr Edwards, who works in cyber security, said: 'Denmark aren't going to win - it's coming home.' Mr Pope, who works in construction, added: 'We're going to get past our semi-final hoodoo.'

Jo Andrews, 36, a property manager from Portsmouth who was wearing an England hat and face paint, said she was 'absolutely excited' to be there.

She said: 'We are definitely going to win tonight - 3-1. This is our turn, this is our chance and we are going to win tonight and we are coming back Sunday.'

Supporters celebrate England's second goal at the 4TheFans Fan Park at Event City in Manchester

England fans cheer at BOXPARK Croydon as they watch a live broadcast of the semi-final match

Fans at BOXPARK in Croydon react as they watch the Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

Fans at BOXPARK in Croydon celebrate England's second goal as they watch the match between England and Denmark

Fans celebrate the goal scored by Harry Kane at Kirby housing estate in Bermondsey

Fans in Manchester celebrate England's second goal, scored by Harry Kane

England fans show their support outside Wembley ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark

Denmark fans arrive at Wembley as the Vikings square up to the Three Lions at the Euro 2020 semi-final

Thousands of England fans gathering outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark

Fans gather outside Wembley Stadium in London, Wednesday, July 7, 2021 ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final

Thousands of England fans gathering outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark

Denmark fans wear viking hats and wave flags as they gather outside Wembley Stadium in London

Thousands of England fans gathering outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark

England supporters arrive to watch the Euro 2020 semi-final football match between England and Denmark at Wembley

Fans at the Vinegar Yard in London before watching the Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark

Thousands of England fans have gathered outside Wembley in scenes of 'carnage' as millions dash out of work and pack out pubs ahead of the semi-final showdown against Denmark

Denmark fans arrive at Wembley as the Vikings square up to the Three Lions at the Euro 2020 semi-final

England supporters pose as they arrive to watch the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final football match

Two England fans in Leicester Square in London jump for joy as they clutch an England flag ahead of the match

England fans show their support outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark

A fan of England raises a red flare outside the stadium prior to the Euro 2020 match between England and Denmark

Gareth Southgate 's men face the Danes at 8pm with the winners going on to face Italy in the final on Sunday - in what would be England's biggest game since 1966. Pictured: Fans in Wembley

Vast swathes of fans are already outside Wembley - with some seen doing knee slides in the rain . Onlookers described the jubilant scenes as 'absolute carnage' with four hours still to go before kickoff

The nation is right behind the Three Lions, with 30 million expected to tune in on TV, as well as 60,000 at the stadium . Top tier tickets for the clash are being re-sold for up to £6,500 each on 'touting' websites, MailOnline has found

Crowds of England football fans drinking at tables and on the streets of Leicester Square ahead of the Euro 2020 clash

England fooball fans drinking in Leicester Square ahead of the Three Lions semi-final clash against Denmark

Fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark

Met Police said they are ready for the demands of the match - with huge crowds set to take to the streets whether England win or lose. Pictured: Fans at Wembley

Fans are seen letting off flares as they drink from cans in Wembley ahead of the match. Kickoff is at 8pm

Red and white flares - the colours of England's flag - are let off as supporters approach Wembley stadium this afternoon

The force urged fans (pictured at Wembley) to follow Government coronavirus guidelines and stay away from London if they don't have tickets for the game or a pre-booked seat in a pub, bar or designated fan zone

England fans doing knee slides outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

A fan wearing a wig and draped in an England flag is seen outside Wembley. Other supporters drink from cans around him

Meanwhile, in London's Leicester Square, supporters without Wembley tickets were seen drinking ahead of kickoff at 8pm tonight

Supporters were seen chanting and lifting their hands in the air as they swigged beer in Leicester Square

Countless fans rushed to Leicester Square to grab seats in bars and pubs ahead of kickoff at 8pm

England fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

England fans pose with a fan of Denmark on Wembley Park Boulevard before the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match

The Anglo-Danish clash has been friendly so far, with one England fan even revealing that he faces being sent off to sleep in the shed if England win - by his Danish wife. Chris Kerin, 38, will be given his marching orders by wife Christina if Southgate's team overcome Denmark in their Euro 2020 semi-final

Danish FA flouts UK's strict Covid rules by allowing FORTY 'dedicated fans' to travel for tonight's Euros semi-final

The Danish Football Association has ignored the UK's strict Covid rules by allowing 40 of its fans to travel for tonight's match against England on the plane carrying its official delegation.

The DFA announced that the fans had been selected for having the greatest number of loyalty points and will travel on a plane with the partners of the footballers and other officials.

They are all members of the official Denmark football team supporters' group and were selected for having the highest number of loyalty points from attending matches at home and abroad.

Under current rules, Denmark is on the amber list meaning anyone travelling to the UK from the country must quarantine for ten days. This has resulted in no fans officially coming to the England for the match.

But they are using a loophole that allows VIPs from a national football federation to travel to Wembley from Copenhagen without needing to quarantine.

They will land in London this afternoon after taking a negative Covid test and remain in a bubble during their 24 hour stay, the DFA says.

England fans have travelled from far and wide to support the team. Two supporters, who gave their names only as Clare, 47 and Charlotte, 44, both from Stockton-on-Tees, said they have travelled around 250 miles to watch the game in London 'on a whim'.

The pair have no tickets to Wembley, but made the journey to support the team in the capital and enjoy the atmosphere. Clare said: 'We saw it on YouTube, the fan zone and everything, and we thought we want to be a part of that.'

A father and son said they have travelled to London from Nottingham after winning tickets to the semi-finals two years ago in a ballot.

James Garmon, 45 has brought his son, Harry Garmon, 11, to see a match at Wembley Stadium for the first time, and only surprised him with the tickets recently.

Speaking before they headed to the stadium, Mr Garmon said: 'Harry is a big football fan, he plays football, so what better time to come down and see the England team.

'I entered the ballot a couple of years ago to get tickets for the semi-finals, hoping England would get through and the plan was if they got through, though he was nine at the time, I thought I would bring my son to come and see England.

'It all worked out, it's been two years in the making.'

Elsewhere, England fans without tickets for the official fan zone in central London's Trafalgar Square gathered in the area to avoid 'missing out' on the atmosphere.

Luke Hughes, 19, a student from Watford, said: 'I've seen the scenes on social media of everyone chanting and singing in London after the game has finished - there is no way I am missing that.

'I think it will be a tough game, maybe decided on one goal, but if we win, this place will be electric. It's coming home.'

A sea of Three Lions shirts and England flags could be seen at the fan zone in Trafalgar Square. Supporters cheered as it was announced that England could make their first major tournament final since 1966.

An announcer told the crowd: 'This is historic. It's an iconic night tonight.'

One supporter, Dave Smalls, 42, a plumber from Basildon in Essex, said: 'I honestly can't wait for this - everything seems different to tournaments in the past.

'Gareth Southgate has not just united a team, but a country - it's a team you can get behind.'

England superfan Chris Dowse, who lives on the flag-bestrewn Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, south-east London, said he had declined the offer of tickets to the Euro 2020 semi-final because he would rather watch the game in the company of his neighbours.

The 42-year-old said: 'I've been offered tickets but I've turned them down. Firstly, I'm not rich and I'd like to spend that money on my kids. But secondly, I am really proud of what we've achieved on this estate, so I will be watching it here.'

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: 'The Met is very well prepared for the increase in fans.

'We have a very experienced policing team in place and will continue to prevent crime and disorder and respond effectively to any incidents. We have deployed a great many officers and specialist units.

'We want people to be able to enjoy the Euros 2020 safely and securely. London still remains in a public health crisis. There are Government guidelines in place and we ask people to follow these and remain socially distanced.

'My message is clear: If you don't have a ticket to the matches, fan zone or officially booked into a pub, bar or club, please do not come to London - you could end up missing the game.'

By 5pm this afternoon - three hours before kick-off - England fans were singing footie anthem 'It's Coming Home' and songs about star defender Harry Maguire while drinking cans of lager and cider.

A group of women in Bristol out to watch the crunch Euro 2020 semi-final clash between England and Denmark

Fans of England gather outside Wembley Stadium prior to the Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark

England fans in London before watching the Euro 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark

England fooball fans drinking in Leicester Square ahead of the Three Lions semi-final clash against Denmark

A married couple are backing opposite teams at the Euro 2020 clash between England and Denmark at Wembley

England and Danish fans arriving at Wembley together this afternoon. The nation is right behind the Three Lions, with 30 million expected to tune in on TV, as well as 60,000 at the stadium

Victory for England will see Gareth Soutgate's men face Italy at Wembley on Sunday - the team's first final since 1966

Spirits were high and drinks were flowing several hours before the match kicked off as fans piled into bars to soak up the atmosphere

A group of England fans pouring pitchers of beer at Boxpark Wembley ahead of the semi-final match at 8pm

England fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

England fans dressed as knights outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match this evening

England fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

England fans at tables in Boxpark Wembley several hours before the match against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-finals kicks off

England fans cheer and enjoy a drink in Leicester Square, London ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final this evening

Fans in Leicester Square. England take on Denmark in their first Euros semi-final since 1996 with hopes of a victory

England fans at tables in Boxpark Wembley, with the nation eagerly awaiting the 8pm kick off of the semi-final

In scenes mirrored across the nation, England fans queue to enter Box Park near Wembley Stadium as the country looks forward to the Euro 2021 semi-final against Denmark this evening

A fan of England shows their support outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Semi-final match

Alan Putman, in costume and a horse drawn carriage, on the Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, south London, where residents are showing their support for England ahead of their game against Denmark

Images from across the country showed supporters getting into the spirit, with a set of flag-waving supporters stopping traffic to recreate the famous Vindaloo video in Kidderminster, West Midlands

Fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

Denmark football fans gather in Vinegar Yard, Bermondsey, ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final between England and Denmark

We're all behind you... let's bring it home! Boris Johnson, Prince William and Wimbledon wonder Emma Raducanu lead battlecry as England prepare to face Denmark in Euros semi-final

Prince William will lead the cries for victory tonight as England attempt to reach the final of the Euros for the first time.

Anticipation for the semi-final match against Denmark was growing yesterday as the Prime Minister showed his support with a Boris No 10 shirt on the steps of Downing Street.

And British tennis star Emma Raducanu wore her England top in a round of interviews about her Wimbledon experience, declaring: 'It's coming home.'

Emma said she would relax after retiring on health grounds from the competition, having become the youngest British woman to reach the last 16 in the modern era, by watching the game at 8pm.

The 18-year-old, from Bromley, south-east London, said: 'It's been a busy two weeks so I think I'll just kick back at home for the next few days and definitely enjoy the game. And it's coming home, isn't it?' She predicted England would win 2-1.

The Duke of Cambridge will be among 60,000 supporters inside Wembley to watch the Three Lions take on Denmark.

The police kept a watchful eye, but the atmosphere was good-natured as bars and cafes around the stadium were packed with people.

Some England fans came dressed as knights and faced off against their Danish rivals clad in Viking outfits.

Jospeh Afrane, meanwhile, wore a St George's flag shirt and tie, shoes decorated with the Union flag and a white suit as he held his England scarf aloft under the famous arch.

The 55-year-old from Battersea, South London, said: 'I think England will win 2-0 and I correctly predicted the result against Germany. I'm confident they can do it. I think Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling are going to play well and team up again.

'I hope they don't underestimate Denmark though, as they can frighten England, especially on the break. It's time for England to get to a final and I'll be cheering them on all the way.'

Confident couple Lee and Steph Roberts from Medway in Kent were predicting a 3-1 win to England. Both work for McDonalds - where they met - and shelled out just over £1,000 for the tickets

Lee, 37, said: 'I went on the UEFA website and snapped them up after the Germany game so it was a bit of a risk as I could've been watching Ukraine vs Sweden but luckily we got through and I'm watching England.

'I'm quietly confident, this is the best team we've had in years and so far things have started to click. I don't think anyone else has got through five games at a tournament and not conceded any goals - certainly not any previous England teams.

'I think Denmark are a good, strong and well-drilled side and it won't be easy by any margin but I think we'll have too much for them.'

Steph added: 'I think both Denmark and - if we do get through - Italy are beatable. I don't think England need fear anyone, we're as good as any team at the moment.'

Images from across the country showed supporters getting into the spirit, with a set of flag-waving supporters stopping traffic to recreate the famous Vindaloo video in Kidderminster, West Midlands.

One father, meanwhile, filmed himself singing 'It's Coming Home' as he rushed his pregnant fiancee to hospital. Simmie Sweeney woke up to find partner Amy Watts, 27, had gone into labour and as he rushed her to hospital, he decided to burst into song, singing the 1996 Three Lion's hit while Amy squirmed in pain next to him.

The video has now been viewed more than 47,000 times, with Mr Sweeney tweeting: 'Mrs is currently in labour - reckon I'll be out in time for tonight?'

His excitement was shared by fans up and down the country who shared photos of themselves wearing England shirts, as others lined up outside Boxpark near Wembley stadium and flocked to bars hours before kick-off.

The Boxpark fans sang and drank throughout the afternoon, as other fans moved across Wembley Way to soak up the atmosphere.

Around 6.8 million pints are expected to be poured, with the British Beer and Pub Association saying that fans will buy 50,000 pints a minute over the course of the match.

And former England captain Wayne Rooney showed he was ready for the clash, waking up his children by blaring Three Lions through his house.

The Duke of Cambridge, who is president of the Football Association, will be among those inside the ground to watch the match, which will be the first time the men's team has made it to the semi-final of a European Championship since an ill-fated penalty shoot-out defeat to Germany at Euro 96.

The incredible footage of fans recreating the Vindaloo video was filmed in Kidderminster and organised by Kiddy Lad, a local social media personality who put out a request for a 'huge crowd' of people to show up at around 7pm on Monday.

Several residents answered his call, with footage showing people of all ages waving flags, letting off smoke flares and holding signs as Kiddy Lad led the march on the back of a truck.

One confident Danish paper made reference to the Vikings, writing: 'We plundered you before, we'll do it again.'

Danish ambassador Lars Thuesen was also optimistic and said: 'We have a lot of songs and we have prepared all of them, we know them by heart because our flag is red and white. So we are red and white, we are Danish dynamite.

'I don't think we are the underdogs. We have a pretty good chance there and we also have a pretty good record.'

Mr Thuesen said 8,000 Danish people living in the UK will be among the Wembley crowd on Wednesday, with numbers limited due to travel restrictions.

He also said the tournament had been a 'huge emotional rollercoaster' for Danes, after star midfielder Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during the defeat to Finland in their opening match.

He told Sky News: 'It started out we were crying, we were praying, then a few minutes later, when we realised he was going to recover, we were crying of joy. There are higher things at stake than football.

'He's still part of the team, part of the WhatsApp group, he wanted us to participate in the tournament as though nothing has happened.'

Mr Thuesen added: 'I think everybody in England, in the UK, understands that here I can't be a diplomat. I'm a huge fan of my own country and I hope that we'll win tonight.'

Fans of England enjoy the pre-match atmosphere with an inflatable beach ball outside the stadium in Wembley

England fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

People out in Soho and Leicester Square drinking ahead of the England semi final match against Denmark at Wembley

Hundreds of Danish fans have gathered eight hours before the game against England, packing out bars in the country

Danish soccer team supporters gather for a pre-match party in Vinegar Yard in south London, taking over the bar

A Danish soccer team supporter has their face painted as they gather in Vinegar Yard in south London this afternoon

An England fan outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

Cheering England fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

England fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

Spirits were high outside Wembley with England expected to beat Denmark and advance to the final against Italy

England fans outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

England fans outside Wembley Fanpark ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

A woman with her dog sits amongst England flags ahead of the match against Denmark at Wembley at 8pm this evening

Nissan has come up with the perfect tribute to Southgate ahead of tonight's Euro 2020 semi-final clash with Denmark

The car giant has renamed one of the entrances to its Sunderland plant in tribute to the England manager, who previously managed Middlesbrough. A goods entrance at the plant has been rebranded The Nissan Southgate, with his name and face etched on a mound nearby

Euro 2020 race for the Golden Boot: Cristiano Ronaldo currently leads the way while Switzerland's Steven Zuber has the most assists so far - but Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling have time to catch up

Euro 2020 has now reached its business end, and glory is on the horizon for those teams battling it out in the quarter-finals.

Though Cristiano Ronaldo and Patrik Schick are both sat on five goals apiece, it's the Portugal man who currently leads the way.

That's because if two or more players are on the same number of goals, UEFA have clarified that the prize will then be determined by number of assists, followed by fewest minutes played and finally goals in the qualification phase.

Neither Ronaldo or Schick are still in the tournament, however, after Portugal were knocked out by Belgium, while the Czech Republic lost their quarter-final against Denmark.

England's Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, both on three goals, could have two matches to catch up with Ronaldo, which is the same for Denmark's Kasper Dolberg.

Meanwhile, Switzerland's Steven Zuber has the most assists so far with four to his name, one ahead of Denmark's Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Spain's Dani Olmo.

Luke Shaw though is just one behind, having created two brilliant assists in England's thumping win over Ukraine on Saturday night.

England fans were in buoyant mood as they prepared to roar on the Three Lions in their Euro 2020 semi-final.

Supporters had started to gather in central London to cheer on Gareth Southgate's team against a tough Denmark side at Wembley. Wearing the 1966 red England World Cup winning shirt, Andy Hallett and friend Jeff Courtney were sipping coffee in a cafe in Soho.

Civil servant Andy, 34, from Bow in East London, said: 'I've got the day off because it's my birthday today and I'm hoping England are going to give me a great birthday present tonight.

'We've been going great and have really grown into the tournament and now confidence is high. It's going to be a tough game, Denmark are a very resilient side and everyone has a soft spot for them at the moment because of what happened to Christian Eriksen.

'But I'm hoping for a 2-0 win to England this evening. I think it's going to be a good, clean game. Last night's game between Italy and Spain had too much diving and play acting but I don't think we'll see that tonight as both teams are pretty respectful.'

Jeff, 35, added: 'I think it's going to be close but I'm hoping England just about edge it.'

Courier Danny Arnold, 24, left his home in Stockport, Lancashire at 4am to deliver pizza supplies to Rudy's Neapolitan restaurant in Soho.

Sporting a burgundy England shirt, the Manchester United fan said: 'I wanted to get up and do the early delivery this morning so I can get back home to watch the match.

'It's ironic that I'm delivering to an Italian restaurant as I really hope it's Italy who England play next!

'We've been very good in their last couple of games but we've also had that little bit of luck that you need to go far in tournaments.

'I've been pleased with the United lads as well, particularly Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire, whose built up a really solid partnership with John Stones so far. Denmark will be no pushover but I just hope we can get to our first final since 1966.'

University friends Megan Beattie and Annie Robinson said they were both looking forward to the big game.

Professional dancer Megan, 22, joked: 'It's coming home! It has to be - England fans have waited so long for a taste of success. I like the Denmark team but Mason Mount is my favourite player and I hope that he and the rest of the England team step up again tonight. They've all been brilliant so far.'

Nissan has come up with the perfect tribute to Southgate ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-final clash with Denmark. The car giant has renamed one of the entrances to its Sunderland plant in tribute to the England manager, who previously managed Middlesbrough.

A goods entrance at the plant has been rebranded The Nissan Southgate, with his name and face etched on a mound nearby.

The entrance, which has been known as 'The South Gate' since the plant first opened 35 years ago, is used by thousands of staff and part delivery drivers every day.

Nissan said they wanted to show their support for Southgate as England will play in the semi-final against Denmark.

Michael Jude, HR Director at Nissan Sunderland Plant said: 'Thousands of our team here at the plant and supplier delivery drivers use the Nissan Plant South Gate every single day.

'To show our support for Gareth and the lads for tonight we've renamed it the Nissan Southgate, complete with a picture of the man himself. Come on England.'

Alexander Clay who runs the MRCA club in Liverpool preparing the club ahead of the England Match against Denmark

Resident Chris Dowse and his dog Tinkerbell on the Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, south London, where residents are showing their support for England

A horse drawn carriage on the Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, south London, where residents are showing their support for England

England fans queue to enter Box Park near Wembley Stadium ahead of the Euro 2020 semi final between England and Denmark

Merchandise for sale outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 semi final match between England and Denmark

Fan Richard Edwards told MailOnline: 'I will be watching the game at my mates garden bar in Harrogate, The Drunken Lobster!'

England fans, Daisy, Liddie, Carla and Martha, gather bright and early on Olympic Way, hours before the match against Denmark kicks off

England fans on Wembley Way ahead of the semi-final. England are attempting to reach their first final since 1966

England fans queue to enter Box Park near Wembley Stadium. Expectations are high as fans pile into bars across the country

Fans buying merchandise ahead of semi final match between England and Denmark this evening - with the nation eagerly awaiting kick-off

England fan Chris with his sons Casper and Luca gather at Wembley Stadium ahead of the Euro 2020 semi final between England and Denmark

The nation is eagerly awaiting the match, with an England win sending the team to its first major final since the World Cup in 1966

Student occupational therapist Annie, 21, said: 'I think the team has done the country so proud and they've given us a much-needed lift after all we've been through with Covid and lockdowns. It's like there's a little bit of normality back in people's lives and I'm really enjoying it.

'But just imagine how amazing it would be if England made it to the final and actually went on to win - there'd be a massive party!'

Meanwhile, Italy fan Matteo Orletti, 28, hoped the Danes go on to meet his countrymen in the final. Matteo, who works at Caffè Nero in Soho, went to last night's match between Italy and Spain and said: 'It was incredible, an unbelievable atmosphere at Wembley and what a result!

'I have to say that I want Denmark to play Italy in the final because I'm an Inter Milan fan and Christian Eriksen is one of our players. Denmark would be doing it for him. But I think England is going to win tonight and that won't be a bad thing seeing as I've been living in London for the last five years.

'Who will win the championship? Who knows! Italy have a chance and I'm going to try and see them in the final this weekend.'

Westminster Council are taking no chances with either joyous or dejected England fans and have boarded up the famous Eros Fountain in Piccadilly Circus.

Hundreds of delirious supporters clambered on top of the London landmark following the wins against Germany and Ukraine.

Fans, some of whom had come down on the tube from Wembley, chanted 'It's Coming Home' from the steps and others frolicked in the fountain beneath the statue until they were moved on by police.

The statue of Eros in Piccadilly, central London boarded up ahead of the Euro 2020 semi final between England and Denmark

Restaurants and shops are being boarded up ahead of the arrival of the England fans this evening, as well as other landmarks in Leicester Square

The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain in piccadilly Circus and the Shakespeare statue in Leicester Square are fenced off

The glamorous WAGs of England's Euro stars travelled to Wembley in style as they boarded a party bus ahead of the semi-final match

Bars in nearby Leicester Square and Soho were preparing to welcome thousands of thirsty England fans ahead of the 8pm game - although due to Covid regulations most places required supporters to book in advance.

Jack Innes, 27, who works at The Crown and Two Chairmen pub on Dean Street said: 'We're going to be at capacity for this game so there'll be about 100-people.

'It's what we need really after being closed so long due to the Covid lockdown.

'I'm hoping an England victory will keep our patrons in good spirits!'

Elsewhere in London, stewards were already in place at the fan zone in Trafalgar Square from 9.30am despite it not opening until 5pm this evening.

One said: 'We are letting in 900 supporters to watch the match on the big screens. It's slightly more than the 750 who were allowed in to watch the group matches.

'It's free to come in but you have to enter a ballot to get a ticket. Hopefully it's going to be a great atmosphere tonight.'

The crowd at Wembley will be the largest since coronavirus restrictions were introduced last spring, and Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said he cannot guarantee there will not be an outbreak of Covid-19 cases linked to football fans watching the game.

He told LBC radio: 'I think we can manage this risk but to say there is no risk, if you have thousands of people in one place... there's always risk in life.

'I think we're managing the risk. I'm confident there won't be a big outbreak but we can't guarantee that now.'

Those watching from outside venues may need to be prepared for all weathers, with sunshine and showers forecast for parts of England throughout the day, although London is expected to remain dry during the match.

Looking forward to the game, one fan wrote: 'Never been so excited/nervous for a football match but I'm ready with my shirt on ready to watch c'mon England.'

Another said: 'Right I can't wait any longer! Getting my first beer, so excited for tonight's match. 3 lions, vindaloo & the great escape are going to be banged out for the next few hours.'

While a third said: 'I am so, so excited and I really hope we win tonight. I know that sounds very basic but I'm really enjoying England doing well and want to watch the final in a pub with my best friends.'

Even the Coldstream Guards got into the action, after Prince Charles invited them to blare out renditions of Three Lions and Sweet Caroline from the gardens of Clarence House yesterday.

More than 30 million fans in living rooms, pubs and fan zones across the country will unite to cheer every England attack.

In the stadium, Prince William will be leading the cheers, though he will be without his family because Kate is self-isolating at home after coming into contact with someone who had tested positive for Covid.

George is not expected at the ground, given the late start time on what is a school night. In the red corner, the Danish royal family have been given special permission to skip UK quarantine measures so they can watch the game at Wembley.

Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, his wife Princess Mary, and their 15-year-old son Prince Christian have been given exemptions to travel to London for the clash.

Furious Denmark fans threatened to 'come by sea like the Vikings' after they were banned from travelling under the country's Covid rules. Only about 6,000 Danes living in England will be at Wembley.

Boris Johnson said: 'Gareth Southgate and the England squad have done the nation proud in the Euros, and tonight we will all be wishing them the best of luck in getting to the final. Bring it home.'

The British Beer and Pub Association believes fans will buy 50,000 pints a minute over the course of the match.

Ten million pints could be poured by the end of the day, with fans expected to pack out pubs hours ahead of kick-off.

Builders arranged the tiles on a new build house to read 'It's coming home' ahead of the Three Lions crunch Euro 2020 semi-final tonight

The Band of the Coldstream Guards playing Three Lions and Sweet Caroline in the gardens of Clarence House

BBPA's chief executive Emma McClarkin said: 'With England fans' support, we hope that pubs will sell 6.8 million pints during the semi-final match.

'If the team goes on to win, a final at Wembley awaits, which would be a huge boost to our pubs and the nation.'

'After a long wait, the pubs we love should be restriction-free from July 19. Only when the restrictions are removed can our pubs recover, but to do so they need Government investment to build back better.'

Builders arranged the tiles on a new build house to read 'It's coming home' ahead of the Three Lions crunch Euro 2020 semi-final.

The patriotic labourer's work raised the roof in Pitstone, Buckinghamshire and ocals were chuffed with the rallying cry as England prepare to face Denmark.

Demand has soared for tickets ahead of the crunch match at Wembley - with a place in Sunday's final at stake.

Only 60,000 people will be allowed inside the stadium, which will be at 75 per cent capacity due to Covid.

And with the remaining tickets being bought up by the FA's official supporters group last night, it has sparked a mad rush for tickets on resale websites.

One hospitality ticket on LiveFootballTickets.com is being listed at a staggering £6,499.

But even standard tickets are selling for more than £1,000 - more than double their general sale value.

MailOnline also found people offering to sell tickets via social media, with one person offering a four ticket bundle costing £5,000.

Meanwhile, consumer groups are warning fans of potential 'scam' online ticket touts.

Is it coming home? Prince William looks dapper in a suit as he cheers on England in the semi-finals against Denmark at Wembley - but Kate Middleton stays at home after being forced into self-isolation

Prince William looked in high spirits as he supported England in the team's spectacular Euro 2020 semi-final victory over Denmark at Wembley this evening.

The Duke of Cambridge, 39, who looked dapper in a suit, could be seen applauding from the stands as he cheered on Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad.

He joined Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie, as well as Danish royals Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, 49, and her husband Crown Prince Frederik, 53, and their 15-year-old son Prince Christian, who also attended the highly anticipated match.

But while Prince William represented the British monarchy, his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, was forced to self-isolate after she came into contact with someone who tested positive - despite being double-jabbed and testing negative for the virus herself.

Prince William looked in high spirits as he watched England play Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi finals at Wembley

The Duke of Cambridge, 39, cheered on Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad at Wembley on Wednesday

The royal who paired his smart outfit with a red and blue striped tie, was joined by fellow VIPs who were able to watch the game inside Wembley - including former football legend David Beckham.

The Danish press have been up in arms since it first emerged that their country's royal family will watch the national team play England in person at Wembley Stadium while millions of Danish football fans are being forced to watch the Euro 2020 semi-final from home.

The country's biggest newspaper Ekstra Bladet was among those slamming royals including Australian-born Crown Princess Mary and her son as they left for London yesterday to watch the much-anticipated clash.

Newspaper editor Henrik Qvortrup railed in an editorial that 'blue blood gives immunity in all respects'.

However, the Danish royal family hit back at the criticism and instead insisted that it was 'completely natural' that it 'represents Denmark' at the match.

He joined Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie, as well as Danish royals as they watched from the stands

Taking to the stands, the royal looked dapper in a dark navy suit and red and blue striped tie and was seen clapping the squad

Under a deal struck between the British government and UEFA, 2,500 VIPs including royals, politicians and football officials are skipping quarantine so they can watch the match live.

This was while millions of Denmark supporters are forced to stay at home and watch it on their TVs instead.

Just 6,000 expat Danes living in Britain have been allocated tickets among the 60,000-strong Wembley crowd.

Fans living in Denmark were told not to travel otherwise they would fall foul of the mandatory 10 days of self-isolation.

Denmark fans vowed to 'come by sea like the Vikings' as they raged at the Covid rules, with one messaging Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Instagram directly and writing: 'Why the f*** are Danish fans not allowed at Wembley? If you don't allow us to take a plane we will do like in the good old days and come by sea. Be ready for a Danish sausage, w*******.'

William was pictured having an animated chat with Peter McCromick, interim chairman of the English Football Association on the stands before the match

The English-language Copenhagen Post wrote: 'The storm over petty entry requirements, which ensure no Danish fans can travel to support their team in the Euro 2020 semi-final on Wednesday, is quickly escalating into the biggest affront to this country since the British Navy firebombed Copenhagen in 1807. Some observers might even go as far as saying it's cheating.'

Mr Qvortrup, editor of Ekstra Bladet, saw red at the apparent hypocrisy of allowing VIPs to enter the UK for the match. He wrote in an editorial: 'The Posh are welcome. Others are not.

'We cannot interpret it any differently when Danish fans are not allowed to travel to England and watch the national team, while those who sit in the most expensive seats are allowed to.

Prince William represented the British monarchy on his own after the Duchess of Cambridge was forced to self-isolate after she came into contact

The Duke of Cambridge appeared focused on the game as he clapped for Gareth Southgate's squad

'The British authorities have strict restrictions on the football fans who pay and create the atmosphere and the joy of football, but at the same time roll out the red carpet to people with VIP status and money.

'Ekstra Bladet has been told that there will be representatives from the royal family present at Wembley. The royal crown couple and Prince Christian. (...) As we all know, blue blood gives immunity in all respects.'

Ministers reportedly agreed a deal with UEFA to exempt officials, politicians and sponsors from travel restrictions so they can go to the semi-finals and final. But the VIPs, who are thought to number in the 'low thousands', will have to remain in a 'bubble' during their visit, reports suggest.

The Duke of Cambridge was one of the VIP guests at the match, and was joined by the likes of David Beckham in the stands

The stands erupted into cheers and supporters hugged as England scored during the semi final of the Euros

Prince William joined in with the national anthem during the match as he sat near Boris Johnson

The deal comes after UEFA threatened to move the games to Hungary unless the British government eased coronavirus travel restrictions for its officials and sponsors.

As part of the deal, around 2,500 VIPs would be allowed into the country and be given special permission to bypass usual travel restrictions, according to the Times newspaper.

Currently, most of Europe is on the UK's 'amber list', which would usually force arrivals into a self-imposed quarantine for 10 days. But under the plans, which the Telegraph said were negotiated by Boris Johnson's chief of staff Dan Rosenfield, a window for quarantine free entry will be opened for VIPs.

Beaming Boris and Carrie cheer England to victory! PM and wife watch on from stands at Wembley as Three Lions surge into the Euro 2020 final

The Prime Minister and his wife cheered on England as they beat Denmark 2-1 last night.

It is the squad's biggest football game since the historic 1966 World Cup victory.

England pulled even with Denmark thanks to an own goal as the first half of their blockbuster Euro 2020 semi-final showdown went 1-1, and a late penalty brought England ahead 2-1, securing the win.

Thousands of England football fans had chanted 'It's Coming Home' outside Wembley Stadium for up to eight hours ahead of the semi-final match against Denmark.

Gareth Southgate's squad faced off against the Danes at 8pm, with an estimated 30 million people tuning in to watch the showdown on TV and 60,000 packing out the home of English football for the game.

The Prime Minister tweeted 'We're behind you England!' and posted a picture of himself wearing a shirt with the name 'Boris' and a number 10 emblazoned on the back as he gets into the back of a car.

He and his wife Carrie were in the crowd at Wembley cheering on England.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his spouse Carrie celebrate the equaliser during the UEFA EURO 2020 semi-final football match between England and Denmark

Boris and Carrie Johnson are backing the Three Lions at Wembley as the team try to seal a place in Sunday's final against Italy

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie look from the stands before the Euro 2020 soccer championship semifinal match between England and Denmark at Wembley stadium in London

The Prime Minister tweeted 'We're behind you England' and posted a picture of himself wearing a shirt with the name 'Boris' and a number 10 emblazoned on the back

Football fans cheer at BOXPARK Croydon as they prepare to watch a live broadcast of the semi-final match between England and Denmark

The couple had previously been pictured cheering on England against Germany on June 29.

Wembley was awash with red, white and blue, with onlookers describing scenes of 'carnage' with huge numbers of England fans sing 'It's Coming Home' and 'God Save the Queen'.

Fans also let off flares and did knee slides while taking selfies with rival supporters wearing Viking horns.

There was more expectation on England in the European Championship this summer than when they went on a surprise run to the last four of the 2018 World Cup, and they have thus far risen to the challenge.

While Gary Neville said he has 'genuine confidence in this manager and players', the former England and Manchester United defender insisted nothing less than their best display will be enough to carry them into Sunday's showpiece.

Just hours before kick-off, Neville wrote on Instagram: 'History beckons for this team. To reach back-to-back Semi-Finals is incredible, but it's not enough. You become nearly men!

'I do have genuine confidence in this manager and players that this time a semi-final isn't the end! To win any semi-final takes a great performance. This is a really good Denmark team and anything less than our best and/or luck will not be enough.

MATCH FACTS

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Phillips, Rice (Henderson 94), Mount (Foden 94), Saka (Grealish 68, Trippier 105), Sterling, Kane

Subs not used: Coady, James, Ramsdale, Sancho, Mings, Bellingham, Rashford, Johnstone,

Goals: Kjaer 39, Kane 104

Bookings: Maguire

Denmark (3-4-3): Schmeichel, Christensen (Andersen 78), Kjaer, Vestergaard, Larsen (Wass 66), Hojbjerg, Delaney (Jensen 87), Maehle, Dolberg (Norgaard 66), Damsgaard (Poulsen 66) , Braithwaite

Subs not used: Lossl, Zanka, Cornelius, Ronnow, Skov, Wind, Skov Olsen

Goals: Damsgaard 30

Bookings: Wass

Referee: Danny Makkelie

And it paid off. England won. England are in the final. The end justified the means. Every decision to here can be defended on this simple outcome.

That's football and, at last, England are actually quite good at it. Pinch yourself and believe, because it is what this team and its manager deserves.

With hindsight, it is possible to say England's victory was visible from some way out. Denmark had a very good spell in the middle of the first-half, and took the lead, but England were the better side across two hours and any other result would have been a travesty.

More to the point, when Grealish came on it was because Southgate sensed Denmark were there for the taking, and he was right. They looked leggy, tired, as if their incredible tournament journey was nearing its end. By the end of the game, it was as if the Danes were just hanging on, trying to get to the penalty shoot-out that spins the wheel one last time – certainly in semi-finals against England.

As for England, they were home; they just couldn't find the key to fit the door. Ultimately, though, the depth of talent in this squad is what got them over the threshold. The sheer number of gifted footballers this country can throw at a football match these days.

This is not a golden generation, but it is a gem of a squad. So there was no let up for an exhausted Danish team. Grealish, then Phil Foden, arrived. Forces massed on the touchline, in case. England ran them, and ran them, and ran them. And finally, Denmark cracked.

Joakim Maehle lunged in, with tired legs, and brought down Raheem Sterling. Referee Danny Makkelie – destined to be the most popular official in this country since that Russian linesman – pointed to the spot.

A VAR check confirmed his decision. Kasper Schmeichel thought it harsh, but then he always does unless its one of those tumbles that Jamie Vardy makes – and Harry Kane stepped up to the ball.

This is England, however. Nothing is straightforward. Kane has scored more goals against Schmeichel than any other goalkeeper, but if he has taken a poorer penalty in his life, it is hard to remember it.

Good height for a goalkeeper, not near enough to the corner, Schmeichel – who had an outstanding game – was so early on it he pushed it out rather than round. And Kane was there first.

Finished into the opposite corner, Schmeichel stranded. England's joint top tournament goalscorer now, level with Gary Lineker. Scenes.

Denmark had taken the lead in the 30th minute when Mikkel Damsgaard hit an unstoppable free-kick into the top corner

Denmark's players congratulate goalscorer Damsgaard after the winger's free-kick silenced the England fans at Wembley

Damsgaard's free-kick sailed into the top left corner with Jordan Pickford only able to get fingertips on the ball

England were level when Denmark captain Simon Kjaer turned Bukayo Saka's cross into his own net in the 39th minute

England's players congratulate Sterling and Saka after their roles in the equalising goal just before the half-time break

Kasper Schmeichel made a fantastic point-blank save from Raheem Sterling just before England scored in the first half

It's going to be hard, the final. Harder than this? Probably. Italy are a better team than Denmark. Kasper Hjulmand's team have had a brilliant tournament in the most testing circumstances, but Italy are arguably the best of it to here, England aside. For this is also a very good team.

Credit Sterling for never stopping the forward momentum; credit the XI for bouncing back after adversity in the 30th minute. And credit Southgate, too. This is his group, his men, and moulded in his determined image.

Harry Maguire pointed out in the week before this game that England had yet to be tested by going behind. How would they react? Last night we found out, and in the most pressured circumstances. Half hour, England went behind; 39th minute, England equalised. There's the answer. It wasn't all plain sailing, far from it. But in that spell, there was at least a clue about the nerve and resolve of this team.

Denmark are good. Ignore those who spout about England's easy route. Denmark have given every team a game to here, including Belgium, the world's number one. This was no exception. England started ferociously, as one suspects the Danes knew they would, yet couldn't maintain such a tempo. Soon, they stopped looking after the ball and Denmark sniffed the wind and sensed change.

Too many sloppy passes, too much emotion, too many fouls. Denmark got the ball, slowed the game down. Denmark began dictating. For 20 minutes or so, they looked the better side. In the 25th minute, Mikkel Damsgaard – 21-years-old and playing for Sampdoria – cut inside from the left and struck a shot which curled just wide of the far post. That was the warning shot.

Schmeichel was there again to keep out Harry Maguire's header in the second half with a big save to the bottom left corner

England were frustrated in the first half as Sterling was just unable to get on the end of Kane's cross in the opening stages

Kane had a second half penalty appeal turned down as the striker went down under a challenge from Christian Norgaard

Southgate brought Jack Grealish on for Saka in the 68th minute as England looked for a creative spark to unlock the Denmark

Kane had a chance right at the end of the 90 minutes but miskicked the ball after Grealish laid it across to him in the box

England were conceding a lot of free-kicks now, and Denmark had worked on their set pieces. A favourite tactic was to cram as many players as possible into a tight space and then break off in all directions like a disturbed ants nest. Chaos reigned. After one, with players squeezed into a space so small they could have been captured by a medium-sized butterfly net, Luke Shaw tugged Andreas Christensen.

This brought another free-kick, further forward. Damsgaard stood over it. Statisticians had just noted that Pickford had broken Gordon Banks' record of 720 minutes without conceding a goal, held since 1966. That's what is called tempting fate.

Damsgaard could not have struck it better. It flew over a jumping Kane in the England wall – he didn't even flinch – and into the top but not the corner, past a despairing Jordan Pickford. Should he have got it? He seemed to think so. It was the first free-kick goal of Euro 2021. The first England had conceded in the tournament and across 691 minutes of football. And, suddenly, it felt like of one of those nights.

Yet this England is made of sterner stuff, perhaps, then previous incarnations. The crowd's faith may have wavered, but there was great self-belief in the way they achieved parity. In the 38th minute, a lovely cross by Kane was met by Sterling forcing one of the saves of the tournament from Schmeichel. Just 43 seconds later, England were level.

Ever wondered why Kane drops deep to take the ball to feet? Now you know. It was this manoeuvre that allowed him to slip Bukayo Saka in and his cross was turned into his own net by captain Simon Kjaer. Not his fault, entirely, though. Behind him lurked Sterling, who would surely have scored had he left it. It wasn't Kjkaer's night.

England's captain had another effort saved by Schmeichel at the beginning of extra-time as he fired low at the near post

Gareth Southgate gave his England players a rousing team-talk as they prepared for another 30 minutes of football

Denmark's players applaud the 8,000 Danish fans inside Wembley after falling agonisingly short at the final hurdle

Early in the second-half he was almost sparked out by Maguire jumping for a ball. It looked entirely accidental and Maguire had to be calmed down by former Leicester team-mate Schmeichel when Makkelie showed him a yellow card. Lucky, though. Before tournament booking amnesties were introduced that would have been a ban for the final.

By the 69th minute it was Grealish time. On for Saka, as expected, and immediately committing Denmark to risk-taking fouls, running at their defenders, inviting the rash and the panicked. Daniel Wass, also a substitute, was in the book within three minutes of arrival.

It may have been perplexing to see him withdrawn – the last England substitute this happened to in a competitive match was Aaron Lennon in 2006 – but Grealish did exactly as Southgate wanted. He tired Denmark, he challenged them when they were struggling to resist. He only lasted 42 minutes, including injury time, but it was key.

So, another milestone achieved, another curse lifted. Next up, the first final since 1966 and, for once, a good omen. England have never lost one of those.

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