‘We’re seeing all positive vibes’

England defender Harry Maguire says team feel the support and love of fans ahead of blockbuster Euro semi-final against Denmark tonight

England is gripped by Euro 2020 fervour as Gareth Southgate’s men prepare to take on Denmark for a place in the final of a major tournament for the time in 55 years.

England will walk out to a wall of noise at Wembley on Wednesday with the bulk of a crowd of 60,000 willing them on, backed by millions of passionate supporters at home.

Southgate’s side started the tournament slowly but have rapidly picked up momentum, beating old foes Germany in the last 16 and hammering Ukraine 4-0 in the quarter-final in Rome. 

Record viewership 

Nearly 21 million people tuned into the Ukraine game, making it the most-watched live TV event of the year, but that record is likely to be obliterated against Denmark. 

Southgate’s men are back at home on Wednesday, and would play at Wembley again if they reach the final against either Spain or Italy, as the pan-European event turns into a “home” tournament for the Three Lions. 

Belief is growing in a nation weary of the COVID-19 pandemic and hungry for success that Southgate’s young team can deliver glory for the first time since the 1966 World Cup. 

Cars and homes are decked out with St George’s Cross flags and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reportedly given the green light for pubs to remain open later on Sunday to prepare for a potential England final. 

Defender Harry Maguire said the players were aware of the mounting excitement around the country as they seek to reach a first European Championship final in England’s history. 

“We see all the positive vibes and the videos going around. It’s a great atmosphere to be involved in and winning football matches enables that,” he said. 
“We’re on this journey together. Us, players, staff, fans, we’re all in this together. We all want the same thing, we all want to win football matches and go as far as we can.”

Maguire admitted that home advantage would benefit England in the Last Four, with bigger crowds allowed back into Wembley as COVID-19 limits are eased despite a surge in infections. 

Also Read: Euro 2020: Italy beats Spain on penalties, reaches final

‘It’s going to be electric’

The Manchester United player said the atmosphere in the Germany game was one of the best he had experienced, with Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” belted out by 40,000 delirious fans. “We’ve got even more fans in the stadium for the semi-final,” he said. “It’s going to be electric, it’s going to be a great atmosphere.”

Christian Eriksen receives invite to Euro final

Lausanne: Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, who is recovering from a cardiac arrest suffered in his team’s opening game at Euro 2020, has been invited to Sunday’s final by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. The Danes face England at Wembley in the semi-finals on Wednesday after reaching the Last Four of a major tournament for the first time since their shock triumph at Euro 1992. Eriksen and his partner “have been invited by the president in person,” a UEFA spokesperson told AFP.

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