Arsene Wenger described England’s Euro 2020 quarter-final victory over Ukraine as ‘perfect’ and has backed the Three Lions to reach the final after their brilliant display in Rome.
Harry Kane’s brace and goals from Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson saw England thrash Ukraine 4-0 on Saturday night and reach the semi-finals of the European Championships for the first time in 25 years.
Former Arsenal manager Wenger told beIN SPORTS: ‘It was the perfect night for English football, a perfect night for England.
‘They didn’t concede a goal, they qualified easily and they could rest important players.
‘They scored three goals from crosses and sometimes small things cause big impacts, and that was certainly the case when Ukraine lost a centre back in the first half. They were free headers and that is not expected at this level.
‘Ukraine conceded three poor goals and the second goal killed the game. It became an easy game for England but they did it well and what was important for them tonight is that they didn’t concede a goal.
‘That will be an important quality to go to the final and win it. They look more stable, defensively.
‘They are still looking for the perfect solution going forward I think but I’m convinced now they will be difficult to stop.
‘They go home to London now for the semi-final so it will be difficult to stop them getting to the final.’
England – who have still not conceded at the Euros, never mind suffered a defeat – found themselves ahead after only four minutes against Ukraine as Kane latched on to Raheem Sterling’s through ball and poked past Heorhiy Bushchan.
After a period of English dominance, Ukraine began to improve in the first half but Gareth Southgate’s side doubled their lead shortly after the break through a towering header from Manchester United captain Maguire.
England were in dreamland four minutes later when the impressive Luke Shaw delivered a perfect cross for Kane, who added his second of the evening and third of the tournament.
Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson came off the bench to score England’s fourth midway through the second half on one of the great night for the nation’s football team.
England face Denmark – who beat the Czech Republic in their last-eight clash – in the Euro 2020 semi-finals at Wembley on Wednesday, with Italy meeting Spain in the other tie.
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