The final week of Euro 2020 action is upon us as we prepare for the two semi-final clashes that are sure to light up Wembley Stadium ahead of Sunday’s final. Roberto Mancini’s intense Italy square up against Luis Enrique’s Spain, while Gareth Southgate’s England face a determined Denmark.
Both games are set to be highly contested and it’s now or never for these players to go out and make history. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the semi-final action.
Italy v Spain
Where: Wembley Stadium, London
When: Tuesday July 6
Kick-off time: 8pm (BST)
TV: BBC One
Referee: Felix Brych (GER)
Last meeting: These two powerhouse footballing nations last battled it out in September 2017 in a World Cup qualifier. Spain ran out 3-0 winners on that occasion, getting revenge for their Euro 2016 exit in the round of 16 at the hands of the Azzurri. Isco scored a brace for La Roja with Álvaro Morata grabbing the third.
This fixture is sure to be the more thrilling of the two semi-finals as Mancini's relentless Italy have been one of the standout sides of the tournament. Having abandoned their traditional methods of focusing on strength at the back, the former Manchester City boss has revolutionised the way the Italians play with a modern, attacking approach.
They have been a joy to watch at times and they will provide Spain with their toughest test in the tournament so far. They suffered a huge blow with the loss of left-back Leonardo Spinazzola last time out, who had been one of their standout performers.
Spain were fortunate to reach the semi-final and can be thankful that Switzerland’s red card and forced substitutions covered up their poor form in front of goal. This is the furthest they have gone in a major tournament since they won Euro 2012 and Enrique will be hoping he can inspire his side to the final this time around and bring back some pride to La Roja. He will need to address the lack of chances converted by his attackers, who will need to be clinical to best a very well-drilled Italy. The Azzurri chase the ball down in groups so Spain will need to perfectly execute their one-two touch football if they are to beat the high press.
Betfred Odds: Italy are marked down as 29/20 to win inside 90 minutes, Spain are 21/10 and the draw is 11/5.
England v Denmark
Where: Wembley Stadium, London
When: Wednesday July 7
Kick-off time: 8pm (BST)
TV: ITV1
Referee: TBC
Last meeting: The two sides last met in October 2020 in a UEFA Nations League fixture which the Danes won 1-0. Christian Eriksen was the match-winner from the penalty spot.
England will be full of confidence after brushing aside Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine 4-0 in Rome on Saturday. In what was their first and last game away from Wembley this tournament, Southgate once again proved his doubters wrong as he got Harry Kane back in on the goals with a brilliant brace. Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson also got on the scoresheet.
His tactics, lineups and shapes have all paid dividends as the Three Lions appear to be in a much stronger position than they were in the World Cup three years ago. They still have their 100% clean sheet record, which has now become an overall record of seven games, and with Kane full of confidence again, they really are the team to fear.
They will face a tough test in Denmark, though. The Danes have rallied brilliantly after the trauma they went through with star player Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest in matchday one.
With zero points heading into their final group game against Russia, they recorded a thumping 4-1 victory as the side finally got into their rhythm and laid their mark on the tournament. They then followed it up with a 4-0 thrashing of Wales and a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic.
What is special about this side is that they all play for each other and they hunt the ball down in packs, which is something England will have to cope with. They have talented players like the young Mikkel Damsgaard and full-back Joakim Mæhle, who is just as good in attack as he is defending, having scored two goals and assisted once already this tournament.
Forward Kasper Dolberg has scored three goals since he came in for Yussuf Poulsen and the Danes will be just as confident as England. This could be the Three Lions’ toughest test, so expect a very tight match.
Betfred Odds: It is 8/11 for England to win inside 90 minutes on Sunday, Denmark are priced at 9/2 and the draw is 13/5.
