England reach Euro 2020 final: Gareth Southgate 'so pleased for our country'
Last updated on .From the section England
England cast aside the "suffering" of their World Cup defeat in 2018 to book a place in Sunday's Euro 2020 final, said manager Gareth Southgate.
The Three Lions lost to Croatia after extra time in the semi-finals of the World Cup three years ago.
But they came from behind to beat Denmark 2-1 on Wednesday, meaning they will be in a men's major tournament final for the first time in 55 years.
"We've managed to put that right," Southgate told ITV.
"I'm so proud of the players. It's an incredible occasion to be a part of. We knew it wouldn't be straightforward.
"When you've waited as long as we have to get through a semi-final, the players - considering the limited international experience some of them have - have done an incredible job."
An own goal from Denmark captain Simon Kjaer cancelled out Mikkel Damsgaard's opener, before Harry Kane grabbed victory for England in extra time by slotting home the rebound after his penalty was saved.
England will face Italy in the final, which will be played at Wembley in front of about 60,000 fans on Sunday.
"The most pleasing thing is we've given the fans and nation a fantastic night and the journey carries on for another four days," said Southgate.
"We've got to enjoy the fact we're in the final but there's one more massive hurdle to conquer."
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said Italy were a "fantastic team".
"We know the size of the task, we know they have those two warriors at the back who have seen all this before," he said.
"But what a brilliant moment for us. Let's savour tonight then we can think about that on the coach back."
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Forward Raheem Sterling praised England's response to conceding their first goal in the tournament.
"It was a top performance," said Sterling, who won the penalty which Kane converted at the second attempt, after Kasper Schmeichel saved his initial effort.
"We had to dig in deep. We responded well and showed good spirit. We knew it would be difficult.
"We stayed patient and we knew with the legs and aggressiveness we have in the team we'd be OK. It's another step in the right direction."
Skipper Kane added: "We got there when it mattered. We reacted really well and we're in a final at home. What a feeling.
"We know it's going to be a very tough game against Italy. We've had a great tournament so far. One more game to go at home."
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Topped the group
1 Conceded
10 Goals
0 Suspensions
Beat 2018 World Cup finalists
Beat Germany 2.0
Beat a quality Danish team
Consecutive major tournament Semi Final
First Final since 1966
Best defense in the tournament
Great morale in the camp
Well done Gareth, the lads, & all the backroom staff 👏🏼
Gareth Southgate is a class act and we could all learn a thing or two from the way he handles himself.
You have got to give it to him, he has got them playing well.
I think he is growing on people, after all he is giving us what we want.
Well done Gareth Southgate .
He wins on Sunday and it will be Sir Gareth very soon.
Delightful he he achieved so much a a manager
I still wish the team had one more creative player in the starting line up, but one goal conceded in 6 games is hard to argue with.
Plus big respect to Denmark, even without their top scorer Eriksen & being a nation of only 6million, they have much talent. An entertaining game.
Bring on Sunday, Ciao Italia 🏴🇮🇹
Whatever happens on Sunday we can all be proud
Whatever happens on Sunday though I will definitely be upbeat about our chances at the WC next year with all our young players having had another year of experience.