Gareth Southgate’s England side have swept the nation along with them on a ride to the Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley tonight.
Denmark - the 1992 champions - stand in their way, with the winners going on to face Italy in Sunday’s final.
So, what are the key battles that must be won if England are to reach a first European Championship final?
Kane vs Kjaer
England captain Harry Kane was well-shackled by Mats Hummels at the heart of Germany’s back-three for most of the last-16 tie but broke his tournament duck with a late header.
Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen has said Denmark have “an idea” of how to stop Kane but the striker hit back by saying he is unstoppable at his best. We will soon know whether Danish captain Simon Kjaer can silence him.
Hojbjerg vs Rice
The London rivals will spar for midfield supremacy, although their first jobs will be protecting their respective defences. With Denmark expected to play with wing-backs, winning the midfield battle will be vital for getting service into wide areas.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been one of Denmark’s outstanding players after a fine season with Tottenham, while West Ham’s Declan Rice has grown with every game at the Euros.
Euro 2020: England fans gather for their historic semi-final match v Denmark
Walker vs Maehle
Joakim Maehle has been among Denmark’s best players as a right-footed left wing-back and appeared to be referenced by Gareth Southgate pre-match.
If England play a back four, they will not be like-for-like with Denmark’s wing-backs but Kyle Walker will still be faced with the challenge of forcing Maehle on to the back foot. The England star’s pace in recovery will be key to stopping Denmark’s progress down the left flank.
