PHOTO: REUTERS

REUTERS, Manchester

England have the chance to reach a first major final since their 1966 World Cup triumph when they take on Denmark at Wembley in Wednesday’s Euro 2020 semi-final, but they will need to banish a history of stumbling at this stage.

Gareth Southgate’s side were impressive in their 4-0 dismantling of Ukraine in Rome on Saturday, heralding a wave of euphoria in the country as media showered the team in praise.

England fans need no reminder, however, that their team have lost four major semi-finals since Alf Ramsey’s team’s title.

Southgate has been keen to keep the burden of history out of his team’s thinking. If he needs a way to bring his players back down to earth before the semi-final, he does not have to look back far for a warning against complacency.

An England side containing ten of the current squad faced Denmark at Wembley in October in a Nations League match and lost 1-0 to a Christian Eriksen penalty.

Kasper Hjulmand’s side, who beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their quarter-final, will be largely the same as the one which left London with three points eight months ago. With Harry Kane back to scoring form with three goals in the two knockout stage games, England look to be peaking at the right moment.

Denmark’s performances in this tournament, where they have responded to the Eriksen trauma in such inspiring fashion, should also keep England focused.

The Danes got out of Group B with a rousing 4-1 win over Russia in Copenhagen before thrashing Wales 4-0 in Amsterdam. In the quarter-final they beat a well-organised Czech side 2-1 in the heat of Baku.

Hjulmand’s team have a clear structure and method to their play which has earned them their place in the last four.

Unbeaten England though start as clear favourites with a stronger squad and home advantage and the fear that has gripped them in previous campaigns refreshingly absent so far.