England produced a somewhat-better-than-expected display as they thrashed Ukraine four-nil in Rome to set up a Euro 2020(ish) semi-final against Denmark at Wembley. Which now, knowing the daft sods as we all do from bitter past experience, they'll probably now go and lose. Nevertheless, regardless of what the future may hold, Gareth Southgate's side followed up the landmark victory over Germany in the last sixteen by producing a performance of composure and high quality to continue their impressive progress in this tournament. Harry Kane was back to his predatory best after struggling in the group stage, following up his goal against Germany by poking home a superb pass from Raheem Sterling after only four minutes. Ukraine barely threatened and England - having reached the last four at the 2018 World Cup and the following year's Nations League - were on their way to a third successive semi-final when Harry Maguire powered home a header from Luke Shaw's free-kick seconds after the break. The outstanding Shaw was the creator once more four minutes later with a perfect cross that was headed in from six yards by Kane. England were impressive as they simply overpowered Ukraine with substitute Jordan Henderson getting the fourth - his first international goal, in his sixty second appearance - when he arrived with perfect timing to head in Mason Mount's corner. To add to England and Southgate's satisfaction, they kept their fifth successive clean sheet to maintain their record of not conceding a goal at Euro 2020(ish). Southgate never wavered for a second in his belief that captain Kane would have a significant impact on Euro 2020(ish), even when he looked off the pace and out of sorts when failing to score in group games against Croatia, The Scotchland and the Czech Republic. Performances which led to some calls for Kane to be dropped (albeit, not from anyone that actually matters). Southgate's faith was rewarded when Kane got off the mark with England's crucial second in the two-nil win over Germany in mid-week. It was the catalyst for the real Kane to come alive in the tournament - and he punished Ukraine in trademark style. Kane pounced for his first, rose to power in a second and almost completed a hat-trick in spectacular fashion with a left-foot volley that was turned on to the post by Ukraine keeper Georgi Bushchan. He was a constant threat, his link with Sterling increasingly impressive and has timed his return to peak form perfectly. The Scum's Shaw has had to fight to revive his England career - having been behind Moscow Chelski FC's Ben Chilwell for some time, he missed out on a start against Croatia in the Euro 2020(ish) opener, when Southgate used Kieran Trippier in the left-back role. It has all changed since he was brought into the side for the goalless draw against The Scotch. Shaw has made a magnificent contribution to England's run to the semi-final and will likely be one of the first names on the teamsheet for the game against Denmark. Shaw has been solid in defence while proving to be a potent creator of goals, setting up Sterling's vital opening goal against Ze Chermans then setting up two more here, first with a fine delivery from a free-kick and then a perfect cross. It has not been a smooth ride for Shaw, who emerged as a teenager at Southampton before his big-money move to The Scum in June 2014. He has suffered serious injury at United and was, seemingly, never trusted by Jose Mourinho when he was The Scum's manager, but is now delivering for England in a major tournament - proof of his character and an achievement that makes that long road even more worthwhile. Southgate has manoeuvred his England squad with great expertise throughout Euro 2020(ish), demonstrating the riches he has at his disposal. In Rome, he was able to give a first start in the tournament to Jadon Sancho, the twenty one-year-old who has just agreed a seventy three million knicker move to The Scum from Borussia Dortmund. Sancho slotted in perfectly in place on the injured Bakayo Saka on the right side ofa three-man attack, showing huge confidence and ambition in a timely reminder of what he can offer. Moscow Chelski FC's Mount also returned the side, with two creators in the shape of Aston Villains captain Jack Grealish and Sheikh Yer Man City's Phil Foden left on the bench. Henderson, the vastly experienced Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haws' captain, made his mark while Marcus Rashford was also introduced off the bench during the second half. It was proof, amid an imperious victory, that Southgate's England squad has the sort of quality and depth that will make them confident they could finally end that fifty five-year wait for success.
Everywhere you looked on the pitch there was an impressive performance from an England player. John Stones reacted well when Roman Yaremchuk found space, forcing the striker wide for his chance. Stones has not put a foot wrong all tournament. The midfield duo of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips were, again impressive despite both being of yellow cards (a further caution would have seen either out of the semi-finals). Rice produced another alert, composed display. Heoffered brisk passing, went close from twenty yards and was around to mop up any danger. Phillips had to be disciplined when Ukraine started to stroke the ball around midfield. Like Rice, he avoided picking up a booking that would have brought a suspension. When Kane scored the third, both were replaced by Henderson and Jude Bellingham (who, himself, showed maturity way beyond his tender years during the final thirty minutes). Sterling was, again, a constant threat with his pace and tricky. Southgate is just the second manager to take England's men to the semi-final of both the World Cup and the European Championship, after Alf Ramsey in 1966 and 1968. The Three Lions have now kept seven consecutive clean sheets for the first time in their history. They have not conceded for six hundred and sixty two minutes. This was Ukraine's joint-largest defeat in a match at a major tournament, equalling their four-nil hiding by Spain in the group stages of the 2006 World Cup. Raheem Sterling has been involved in twenty two goals in his past twenty one games for England (fifteen goals, seven assists), while Harry Kane has been involved in twenty seven in his past twenty six (eighteen goals, nine assists). Kane's double moved him level with Alan Shearer and just one behind Gary Lineker's record of ten tournament goals for England.
Luke Shaw's assist for Harry Maguire was the first time two The Scum players have combined for an England goal at a major tournament since David Beckham assisted Paul Scholes against Portugal at Euro 2000. England keeper Jordan Pickford has kept five clean sheets at Euro 2020(ish) - no keeper has ever kept more in a single staging of the competition before. Southgate warned England not to underestimate Denmark, who beat the Czech Republic in Baku on Saturday. Denmark gave England problems in the Nations League last year and have wonderful togetherness after Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest during their opening game of the competition against Finland. 'They're obviously riding a wave of emotion after what happened with Christian and that's understandable,' Southgate said. 'It's going to be a fantastic game to be a part of. We have got more experience as a group of those sorts of games and individually the players have experienced those games, which is definitely helpful. We still have a long way to go and we are not satisfied. Tonight is a really enjoyable night for everybody but I've got to say I was already thinking about the next challenge before the end of the game. That's the one for us – we've never been to a European Championship final. It's another opportunity to make history.' Southgate was asked whether England had ignited the nation (whatever that means). 'I know what will be happening at home and that is great,' he said. 'It's lovely to send everyone home happy on a Saturday night – beer in hand or in the air, they should enjoy it.' Southgate spoke with pride about his role in reviving England. 'When I look at the people who are in that list of England managers, you know, Sir Bobby [Robson] and Sir Alf [Ramsey], so many of the managers that have gone before, it is an absolute honour to be in that sort of company. I know how high I hold them in esteem and it's great to be able to get the results that are putting our country on the football map again really.'
