It was a tough way for Denmark to end their emotional ride from the fear and distress ofChristian Eriksen’s opening-game collapse to a first semi-final since their shock Euro 92 win,but their exhausted players left Wembley with socks rolled down but heads held high. “I am proud of this group and everyone who has been on this journey. It has been fantastic to be involved. I am hungry and empty,but I am also proud,” said Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Havingswept past Ukraine 4-0 in the quarter-finals,England knew they faced a considerable step up on Wednesday and the quality in the Danish ranks was amply illustrated after 30 minutes when Damsgaard fired a powerful,dipping 25-yard free kick over the wall and beyond the diving Jordan Pickford.