London police arrest 20 as fans celebrate England's EURO semi-final victory over Denmark

Moscow,:London's Metropolitan Police said on Thursday that the law enforcement officers had made 20 arrests following England's 2:1 victory over Denmark in the EURO 2020 semi-final.

"Following the fantastic win by England, officers were out across London patrolling and engaging with people. There were large pockets of groups who gathered predominantly in central London, and officers remained with them," the police tweeted, adding that "20 arrests have been made by officers for a number of offences including common assault, public order and assault on police."

English fans took to the streets of London late on Wednesday after the national team beat Denmark at the Wembley Stadium and reached the final of a major tournament for the first time in more than half a century.

England will face Italy in the final of the European championship on Sunday, which will take place at London's iconic stadium.

England have reached the final of the men's European championships for the first time courtesy of a 2-1 win against Denmark in extra time at the end of another spell-binding Euro 2020 fixture.

England 2-1 Denmark London

(Damsgaard 30', Sterling 39', 105' Kane)

The belief never wavered and, come the final whistle, England's faith was rewarded. With 60,000 fans inside Wembley, it took an extra-time winner from Harry Kane to secure a 2-1 win over Denmark as the Three Lions reached the final of the men's European championship for the first time.

"It was a top performance," said Sterling after the game. "We had to dig in deep. It was the first time we conceded but we responded well and showed good spirit.

"It's another step in the right direction. We have to focus on the weekend now. It's step-by-step. We know what football means to this country. The energy, the atmosphere...It was top.

"Now we have Italy. We will celebrate a little bit then focus on Italy."

The Azzurri will provide the opposition on Sunday, but on Wednesday London was lit up after an emotional 120 minutes at Wembley.

Forced to come from behind

Denmark had taken the lead through Mikkel Damsgaard's stunning free kick, but it lasted just nine minutes when Bukayo Saka's low cross was turned into his own net by Simon Kjaer. It was the eleventh own goal of the Euros.

After a goalless second half, England secured a place in their first tournament final since 1966 in extra-time when Raheem Sterling was brought down in the box by Joakim Maehle. 

Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel had provided the heroics throughout the 120 minutes and saved Kane's penalty, but the England captain pounced on the rebound to drive home the winner.

 "Unbelievable - what a game though, credit to Denmark. We dug deep and we got there when it mattered. We reacted really well - we're in a final at home, what a feeling," Kane said after the game. "We know it's going to be a very tough game against Italy we've had a great tournament so far. One more game to go at home and we can't wait."