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Football London
Football London
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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

What Arsenal legend Ian Wright and Gary Neville did after England reached Euro 2020 final

England are European Championship finalists, and Arsenal legend Ian Wright couldn't be happier.

Despite falling behind to a wonderstrike from Mikkel Damsgaard that stunned the majority of the Wembley crowd, the Three Lions came from behind to reach a major tournament final for the first time since 1966.

Gunners youngster Bukayo Saka had a hand in the equaliser as his intended square pass for Raheem Sterling across the face of goal saw Denmark captain Simon Kjaer turn the ball into his own net.

There wasn't to be a winner in normal time, but unlike Euro 96, this England semi-final didn't go to a penalty shootout.

That was thanks to Harry Kane as he reacted quickest to seeing his spot-kick saved by Kasper Schmeichel to score what turned out to the goal that sent England into the final.

On Sunday night Gareth Southgate's side will face Italy at Wembley for the chance to create history.

But whilst that game is still a few days away, celebrations filled the stadium after the final whistle blew on Wednesday night with the England players and staff overcome with emotions.

And that feeling spread into the punditry area.

At one point Wright and Manchester United legend Gary Neville forgot about trying to analyse the game and sung along to 'Sweet Caroline' that was being played inside the stadium.

That wasn't the only time the pair were in unison throughout ITV's coverage.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, both Wright and Neville heaped praise on Saka for becoming the youngest-ever player to start for England in the semi-finals or later of a major tournament.

"We’re talking about someone that joined Arsenal’s academy at age 7," Wright said. “He’s progressed through, he’s always been somebody that’s played at a higher level. He’s played for England since he was 16, he’s played at every level.

“He’s not just arrived here, he’s somebody that was destined to do what he’s doing right now. That’s why everyone at Arsenal knows what he’s capable of, and we’re seeing it right now."

Neville added: “It’s a massive achievement, but I think it’s typical of Gareth’s reign, where he’s ripped up the rule book.

“You don’t have to be a starting player for a club, you don’t have to be at a fashionable club, you don’t have to be at a Champions League club, you don’t even have to be the most popular with the media or with the fans.

“The lads that are out on the pitch are the ones who have been in the best form, and Saka’s been electric in the games that he’s played."

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