So last night`s Euro semi-final between Engerland and Denmark finally ended in a win after extra time for the home team thanks largely to an own goal and a dubious penalty.  England now face Italy in Sunday`s final, again at Wemberly.   Given the level of euphoria following last night`s nerve jangling affair one could be forgiven for thinking that some great battle had been won and that the future of the country had once more been assured.  Shades of 1945?

Now don`t get me wrong - I`m as pleased and relieved as anyone at the result, although I do feel a tinge of regret for Denmark, who were excellent and gracious in defeat.

I`ve always been partial to a nice Danish pastry and the country has a lot going for it, once having been voted the happiest nation in the world.  But what also added to my tinge of regret was that Denmark`s defeat was arguably down to the way in which they used their substitutes - too many, too early - and substituting Southampton`s centre back, Jannik Vestergaard before extra time commenced.   So it`s game over for him and although the rest of his Saints team mates reported back for pre-season training on Monday, Jannik will no doubt have a bit of a holiday before joining up at St. Mary`s once again.

That is unless the rumours about him going to Tottenham are to be believed;  after all he has spent the last few weeks in the company of Danish team mate and former Saints captain Pierre Emile Hojbjerg who left us for Tottenham last season.   Just as well after all, that James Ward Prowse, to name but a few, was left out of the England squad or he might have been tapped up as well. 

So on to Sunday`s final against Italy.   Should be a walk in the park, after all Italy remain undefeated in all of their last 32 international games and must surely be ready for a fall.  Aren`t they?