A two-thirds full Wembley stadium saw England reach their first competition final since 1966 as Gareth Southgate’s young Lions roared relentlessly to face Italy in Sunday’s Euro 2020 climax – the likes of which has, for this, and, indeed, many of the previous generation has never witnessed before.
From Sterling to Pickford, Phillips to Shaw, and every player with the Three Lines on their shirt last night, the victory over an overwhelmed Denmark team was something to behold…and then some.
As people gathered in living rooms, pubs, fan zones and around the wireless, this uniquely special night was just that – very, very special.
With social distancing rules meaning that up to six people from six households, or two households of any size, were able to sit together inside or 30 out, this was the perfect ‘fillip’ for a nation that has gone through so much in the last 15 months.
A brave Denmark provided stern opposition for the home nation, so, for Southgate’s Young Lions, this time, it was tears of joy after generations jeers of being emotionally destroyed by expectation.
Following the 2-1 extra-time win, which secured England’s place in Sunday’s Euros final for the first time ever, a joyful England boss Gareth Southgate said: "I’m so proud of the players. It's an incredible occasion to be a part of.
“We knew it wouldn’t be straightforward. The game in Rome was straightforward. We said to the players we have to show resilience and come back after setbacks and we did that.
"I felt we’d get there but I knew we’d have a different sort of battle. Denmark are so underrated as a team and they caused us a lot of troubles. When you’ve waited as long as we have to get through a semi-final, the players - considering the limited international experience some of them have - have done an incredible job.
"The most pleasing thing is we've given the fans and nation a fantastic night and the journey carries on for another four days. We suffered in Moscow on a night like this and we've managed to put that right.”
England forward Raheem Sterling said: "It was a top performance. We had to dig in deep. It was the first time we conceded but we responded well and showed good spirit. We knew it would be difficult. We stayed patient and we knew the legs and aggressiveness we have in the team we'd be okay.
"It's another step in the right direction. We have to focus on the weekend now. It's step-by-step. We know what football means to this country.
“The energy, the atmosphere...It was top. Now we have Italy. We will celebrate a little bit then focus on Italy."
"Finals are there to be won,” Southgate added. “It's taken a lot physically and mentally. Italy, too, have had that."
