England 2-1 Denmark (A.E.T.): Hits and flops as Three Lions confirm finals berth with dramatic extra-time win | UEFA Euro 2020

#3 Hit: Kyle Walker

Walker turned in a commanding display at right-back for England

While he has not been the most convincing defender in the tournament thus far, Kyle Walker chose the perfect moment to put in his most commanding and effective performance at right-back for the Three Lions.

Known for using his ferocious recovery pace to make crucial tackles and interceptions, the Manchester City man was consistently in the right place at the right time. Walker managed to snuff out a series of potentially threatening Danish attacks.

With energy levels flagging in the second half, Walker’s pace and energy helped him stand out yet again as he seemed to manage both his defensive and attacking assignments with relative ease. Although his deliveries into the box left a little to be desired, that was the only tiny shortcoming in an otherwise excellent display.

#4 Flop: Joakim Maehle

A disappointing end to an otherwise excellent tournament for Maehle (R)

Already something of a novelty as a right-footed player playing at left wing-back, Joakim Maehle is among a select group of players of whom not much was known before. However, he really made a positive impression in this tournament.

Offering electric pace and never-ending desire from the left flank, Maehle has chipped in with goals as well as assists at crucial times. He was definitely a person of interest for England to monitor going into this game.

However, faced with the formidable combination of the pacy Kyle Walker and the energetic Bukayo Saka, the Atalanta wide man struggled to find any joy down the left flank in an attacking sense. He did not fare much better defensively either and spent most of his time on the pitch pinned back inside his own half. He had to deal first with Saka and then Sterling, who he brought down to give away the decisive penalty.

#5 Hit: Raheem Sterling

Sterling (L) was electric on both flanks and shone for England on the night

A slightly underwhelming domestic campaign had cast doubts over Raheem Sterling’s place in England’s starting lineup for the Euros. But the Manchester City attacker has silenced all his doubters with a series of superb displays in attack for the Three Lions.

Amidst scoring England’s first three goals of the tournament and claiming an assist to boot, Sterling has been one of the best players at the Euros. He further strengthened that claim with yet another ‘sterling’ performance against Denmark.

Starting the game on the left wing and ending it 120 minutes later on the right, Sterling showcased boundless levels of energy, searing pace, mesmerizing trickery and superb instinctive positioning as he troubled the Danish defense all night.

Raheem Sterling completed 10! take-ons against Denmark, more than any other player in a game at #EURO2020 Running rings around the Danes. 🏃‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/tdoBVu2KTW

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 7, 2021

Despite struggling to find much to purchase from a solid backline at the start of the game, Sterling did not let his intensity drop even as players around him started to fade away. He was rewarded for his tireless effort midway through the first half of extra time. Yet another dazzling burst saw him pull away from Joakim Maehle in the box only for the Danish wing-back to bring him down in the box and concede the decisive penalty.