England vs Denmark, player ratings: Harry Maguire and Raheem Sterling spearhead England’s charge to final

After 55 years of hurt, England are now one match away from a major tournament victory. A win over Denmark in Wednesday night’s semi-final – with Harry Kane bagging the winner from an extra-time penalty rebound – has set up a mouthwatering clash against Italy on Sunday at Wembley. 

Denmark raced into an early semi-final lead thanks to a stunning free-kick from Mikkel Damsgaard, before a Simon Kjaer own-goal pulled England level. All that was left was for Kane’s extra-time heroics. 

But who stood out on one of English football’s biggest nights? Telegraph Sport provides its analysis below, while you can have your say at the bottom of the page.

England (4-2-3-1)   

Jordan Pickford — 6/10Could have done better with Denmark’s goal, the first England had conceded in nearly eight hours. Saved England on so many occasions before but his distribution, particularly his kicking, was poor here.

Kyle Walker — 7/10 Always appears more comfortable in his usual right-back position and set the tone with two big challenges in the opening 10 minutes. Another reliable performer for Southgate, full of energy.

John Stones — 7/10 Caught out of position a few times when Denmark broke forward in numbers, but one of England’s more solid defenders. Passing remains a real asset for Southgate’s style of play.

Harry Maguire — 8/10 Appeared to be targeted by Denmark due to his lack of pace but this was a disciplined, focused performance. Seemed to grow in stature as the game grew older. Harshly booked after an aerial collision with Kjaer.

Harry Maguire was one of England’s stars at Wembley Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Luke Shaw — 6/10One of England’s stars of the tournament but this was a more testing experience, with Shaw frequently outnumbered by Denmark on the left. Unnecessary foul which led to Denmark’s goal.

Declan Rice — 6/10 Perhaps his least effective game of Euro 2020, Rice struggled to have any influence going forward. Passing was decent, though, and commitment and importance to England never in doubt.

Kalvin Phillips  — 7/10 Solid performance, breaking up Danish attacks and getting England moving forward. Incredible rise for the Yorkshire Pirlo, now indispensable for his country.

Bukayo Saka — 6/10 Returned to the starting XI in Jadon Sancho’s place due to the balance he offers the team and provided the crucial assist for England’s equaliser. Did fade before his substitution.

Mason Mount — 6/10 Full of energy and drifting in and out of pockets, also sticking to his defensive duties. Unable to provide any creativity in crucial attacking areas, however.

Raheem Sterling — 8/10  Set the tone early with his direct running and was arguably England’s most dangerous player going forward. Comes alive at international level, always a threat and never stops running. Man of the match.

Raheem Sterling was frequently a handful for the Danish defence Credit: AP

Harry Kane — 7/10 Far more involved and threatening than he was earlier in the tournament, yet still having to come too deep to get the ball. Struggled to get any chances in normal time but always, always delivers when it matters.

Subs: Grealish for Saka 69, Henderson (Liverpool) for Rice 95, Foden (Man City) for Mount 95, Trippier (Atletico Madrid) for Grealish (extra-time half-time).

Denmark (3-4-3) 

Kasper Schmeichel — 8/10 Another outstanding performance from Leicester’s ultra-reliable No 1. Schmeichel did everything to prevent Euro 2020 from coming home, with fine saves from Sterling, Maguire and Kane (including the penalty). 

Andreas Christensen — 7/10 The Chelsea defender is equally comfortable in a back-three or four, and stuck to his task well here. Another Dane calm in possession.

Simon Kjaer — 7/10Always manages to appear relaxed amid the chaos around him and managed to keep Kane quiet in normal time, forcing him to retrieve the ball away from goal. Powerless to prevent his own-goal with Sterling lurking.

Jannik Vestergaard — 7/10The tallest player on the pitch and so powerful in the air, winning lots of headers to repel the danger. A manager’s dream. 

Jens Stryger Larsen — 6/10Was given the tough job of keeping Sterling quiet but settled into his role and offered support when Denmark were in the final third.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg — 8/10The Tottenham midfielder’s pressing and tackling unsettled England. His partnership with Delaney is very effective, and he was superior to both Rice and Phillips.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg played wonderfully for Denmark Credit: POOL VIA REUTERS

Thomas Delaney — 8/10 Used all his vast experience to nullify England’s threat after their electric start, slowing the game down. Always available and controlled in his decision-making.

Joakim Maehle — 5/10A revelation for the Danes at Euro 2020, this was a more defensively-minded display from Maehle and he had little impact as in previous games, which is a credit to England.

Martin Braithwaite — 6/10 Doubts over his goal record at club level, did not let Denmark down as an effective outlet on the counter-attack. Never looked like scoring.

Kasper Dolberg — 5/10Has grown in stature over the course of Denmark’s journey, and did manage to cause some problems with his movement in the centre of attack. Substituted late on.

Mikkel Damsgaard — 8/10Brilliant free-kick to stun England; Damsgaard has emerged as one of the young stars of Euro 2020. A very dangerous player due to his free role, Damsgaard has relished the challenge in the absence of Eriksen.

Mikkel Damsgaard’s first-half free-kick completely bamboozled Jordan Pickford Credit: AP

Subs: Wass for Stryger 67, Poulsen for Damsgaard 67, Norgaard for Dolberg 68, Andersen for Christensen 79, Jensen for Delaney 88.

Have your say: Rate England’s players in semi-final victory over Denmark