EURO 2020: Semi-final predictions

Great goals, red card controversy and the dreaded penalty shootout - The Euro 2020 quarter-finals had it all.

Now it's all eyes on Wembley for the two semi-finals to decide who will contest the showpiece occasion in London on Sunday evening.

Italy face Spain while England take on Denmark, with both games hosting around 60,000 spectators - the largest crowds seen in England since March 2020.

Chris Stott, Chris Coughlin and Harry Reynolds give their thoughts the drama that will unfold over the next two nights...

Italy v Spain - Tuesday 6th July, 8pm

Chris Stott

Two heavyweights collide, but both have possibly surprised many. Italy didn't qualify for the world Cup in 2018, but since Mancini came on board they've been red hot! Still they where not overly fancied by those outside of Italy, but have proved doubters wrong with engertic play and superb defence (as per). Spinazolla is a huge blow for them and that will see a big part of their attack diminished. Spain meanwhile have arguably the most underwhelming squad they've had for a long time, and looked flakey in their opening two games. They have responded well, scoring five two games in a row, even if that they got lucky against Croatia and Switzerland for me. They will need to take their chances against the Italians, as they won't get masses. For me, Italys ruthless defence and fairly efficient attack is what makes them very strong contenders for this game and the tournament

Prediction: 2-1

Chris Coughlin

A repeat of the 2012 final in Kiev and a meeting to two countries who are going through transitional periods, particularly in Spain's case. It might've been strange for me to claim pre-tournament that four-times World Cup winners Italy were my dark horses but I felt their failure to qualify for Russia three years ago justified such a statement. Roberto Mancini has changed the Italian mindset and style to make them more aggressive in all areas of the pitch, even if we saw the ugly side of their game as they ground out an ultimately deserved 2-1 win over Belgium in the semi-finals in Munich. Spain, meanwhile, have performed far beyond my expectations as I would never have put them in this position before a ball was kicked. I maintain that, quality wise, this is not a patch on Spain teams of the past but you have to give them credit for getting to the last four even if there has been more than a bit of fortune along the way but you won't hear Luis Enrique complaining about that. My prediction is based off if both teams performed to their maximum, who would I expect to go through? The answer to that question is Italy

Prediction: 2-0

Harry Reynolds

I know this is being billed as a clash of the titans, but I really don’t see it that way at all. I think Italy are a million miles better than Spain and will win this easily. Luis Enrique’s side have won only one game out of five in 90 minutes at this summer’s tournament, and have been extraordinarily wasteful in front of goal. The amount of money that has been wasted on Alvaro Morata over the years is criminal. Italy have yet to concede in open play within regulation time at EURO 2020 and I can’t see that changing here, with Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci both rolling back the years against Belgium. The Italians have better players all over the pitch, and I will be staggered if they aren’t in the final on Sunday

Prediction: 2-0

England v Denmark - Wednesday 7th July, 8pm

Chris Stott

What a tournament for these two! Both have captured the imagination of their respective nations for various reasons. England haven't conceded a goal so far which I did not expect one bit! They've been pretty efficient in attack too with that evident vs the Ukraine. Kane has found his form, Sterling has been sensational and Pickford has looked every bit a top class keeper! Denmark have recovered from the toughest scenario imaginable and been absolutely brilliant! Against Russia and Wales their football was silky and very entertaining. They even gave Belgium a big scare. The 2nd half in the quarters they faded as an attacking force but have a resilience about them that transcends the game. They don't have any stand out match winners, but they are an outstanding collective. Both have incredible team spirit which has been refreshing to watch. England being at home for me is the big factor here. An early goal could set the tone. But the Danes did win on their last visit, albeit behind closed doors. England have the extra quality so will take it, but Denmark will give it everything they have.

Prediction: 2-0

Chris Coughlin

Cancel your plans and clear your calendar! There is only one place you need to be on Wednesday night and that's plonked in front of a screen with ITV1 at the ready at 8pm. Gareth Southgate has faced a lot of questions during this tournament but he has answered them time and time again. Yes, the football during the group stage wasn't particularly good to watch but England finished top, saw off Germany and have made their way to the last four of the European Championships for the first time since 1996. They have also been pretty much perfect defensively, becoming the first team in Euros history to not concede a goal in their first five games of the competition. Denmark have also been fantastic but in vastly different circumstances. We can only wonder how much emotional and mental turmoil they went through after that horrific evening in Copenhagen last month but they have regathered and played some sensational football with Christian Eriksen in their minds as the midfielder continues his recovery. I think it's more than fair to say that the pressure is on England in front of 60,000 at Wembley which will be incredibly special but this side has shown so far that they can deal with the expectation. I think Harry Kane and co will overcome a spirited Danish display and put themselves on the brink of glory.

Prediction: 3-1

Harry Reynolds

If England play the match and not the occasion, they should win this game. They’ll have 60,000 fans inside Wembley, and if you thought the decibels were cranking up against Germany then this will be a different experience altogether. I don’t think Denmark have the explosive attacking talent to trouble an England defence that is yet to concede this summer, and Jordan Pickford has already sewn up the Golden Glove award. Harry Kane has come to life and is right in contention for the Golden Boot award too. Similarly to the other semi final, even if you discount the fans, England have better players in all areas of the pitch. Denmark have been riding an emotional wave for Christian Eriksen, but even if they lose this game they’ve performed with immense credit throughout the tournament

Prediction: 2-0