Euro 2020: Gareth Southgate celebrates the “magical night” when England made it to the final of the European Championship

Gareth Southgate celebrated a “magical night” when England beat Denmark and reached their first Euro final.

Captain Harry Kane ended England’s 55-year wait for a major men’s final appearance with a dramatic extra-time winner, converting the rebound after Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had saved his contentiously awarded penalty. England had the chance to win another trophy for the first time since 1966 after beating Denmark 2-1 in the Euro 2020 semi-final

The Three Lions boss paid tribute to his ‘immense’ squad as well as the electric partisan atmosphere, saying he’s ‘never known the new Wembley like this.’

“I’m so proud of the players,” Southgate said. “It’s an incredible occasion to be a part of, the fans were incredible all night.

Three years on from the heartache in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Moscow, and 25 years on from his infamous missed penalty in the shootout defeat to Germany at Euro 96, it was redemption for Southgate and his players, as more than 60,000 fans created a electric atmosphere at the new Wembley.

“For our country. I’ve not heard the new Wembley like that, ever. To be able to share that with everybody is very special,” said Southgate.

It’s never easy for England. Even when the path to the Euro 2020 semifinals seemed smooth — even the 2-0 win over archrival Germany — Southgate was prepared for difficulties against Denmark, especially after losing the 2018 World Cup semifinal to Croatia and being beaten in the 2019 Nations League last four by the Netherlands.

“I knew it might be a tortuous path,” Southgate said. “In the end it’s a wonderful evening for our fans, for our public and for our country.”

Looking ahead to a date with Italy, and England’s first majortournament final since 1996, Southgate believes the Azzurri are the ‘biggest possible test’.

“I think Denmark had only lost four matches out of 30-odd games; Italy’s record is even better than that. They have been a top team for the last couple of years, we’ve followed their progress closely, we know the way they play, with great energy and style,” says Southgate.

“They are, as always, difficult to score goals against, and without doubt deserve to be in the final, having beaten two top teams to get there in Belgium and Spain,” added the England manager.

England have little time to bask in the glory of their semi-final victory, with the Three Lions back at Wembley on Sunday, where Italy stand between them and a maiden European crown. Southgate insisted the preparations would begin immediately.

“So it’s the biggest possible test we can have. We have a day less to recover but we’ve got to prepare from now. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to take them on,” said Southgate.

“We’re in a final, we’ve got to enjoy that fact, but there is one more massive hurdle to try and conquer. Italy are a very good side, they have really shown outstanding form, have defensive warriors at the back, it’s going to be a great game to look forward to. We’ve had three memorable games on the bounce.

“We said we wanted to create memories for our nation, now we’ve got to finish the job. Finals are there to be won, we’ve got to regroup, repair and recover because tonight has taken a lot emotionally and physically,” added Soutgate.