England are into the 2020 UEFA European Championship semifinals after crushing Ukraine 4-0 at Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday.
Harry Kane scored once in either half as the Three Lions scored three times inside the opening 20 minutes of the second half to put the game beyond the Ukrainians.
Raheem Sterling teed Kane up brilliantly for the opener inside of five minutes in Italy but it took until just after the break for Gareth Southgate’s men to double their lead.
Luke Shaw was the provider this time as Harry Maguire headed home to make life difficult for Andriy Shevchenko’s side after they were already forced into a change.
Shaw assisted another goal just four minutes later as Kane added his second and Mason Mount was the provider for Jordan Henderson as the English booked their place against Denmark with an impressive win.
Some takeaways.
England early birds
Ukraine spent the majority of the first half getting back into the contest only to lose it at the very start of the second with England twice striking early to take the sting out of their opponents.
Although it is far from an exact science, scoring so early is important for this English side as it settles any nerves and forces the opposition to take the game to Southgate’s men, a tactical situation in which they thrive.
The Three Lions will need to be similarly switched on against Denmark next as the Scandinavians promise to be a different proposition entirely.
Shaw service
Luke Shaw has emerged as a key component in this England side and his two assists in Rome were no less than the Manchester United man deserves, adding to his assist against Germany and a star turn against Czech Republic.
If the English can continue to tap into the 25-year-old’s rich run of form, then they should be able to create opportunities against a Danish defense even though that side will not capitulate like Ukraine’s back line.
Commanding Kane
Criticized for his lack of goals up until his Germany strike, Kane is well and truly motoring now with three from his past two outings and the Tottenham Hotspur (at least for now) man is like a new player with that injection of confidence which will make him a marked man against Denmark.
His understanding with Sterling and ability to profit from Shaw’s good work makes England’s left side particularly important for Southgate’s men heading into the semifinals.
Danish danger
With all due respect to Ukraine, Denmark will be an entirely different beast and promise to be a tough test of England’s credentials as possible champions.
The Scandinavians have done incredibly well to overcome major adversity to get this far, and they will want to go at least one step further after seeing off the Czech Republic.
Not only does this semifinal promise to be a fantastic decider for one of the two finalists, it has the makings of a classic in a tournament of great entertainment already.
With England yet to concede all tournament, only the Danes and the in-form Kasper Dolberg now stand in their way as they target a potential final against Italy or Spain.
Ukraine 0, England 4 (FT)
England: ⚽ Harry Kane (4′)
England: ⚽ Harry Maguire (46′)
England: ⚽ Harry Kane (50′)
England: ⚽ Henderson (63′)
