The verdict on England from four United greats
Four of the biggest names in modern Manchester United history were in attendance at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday evening, to witness England’s Euro 2020 semi-final win over Denmark.
It was a famous night for the Three Lions after an extra-time goal from Harry Kane secured a 2-1 victory and, as a result, the country’s first major final since the 1966 World Cup triumph.
After a night of celebrations, Gareth Southgate’s young team can now look forward to Sunday’s showpiece finale against an impressive Italy team.
Wayne Rooney – still the all-time leading scorer for both United and England - was among the fans at the national stadium alongside his wife Colleen and three of their four young sons.
Our iconic former no.10 and club captain marked the occasion by sharing an incredible family picture on Twitter, surrounded by ecstatic Three Lions supporters.
What a night 🙌🏴❤️ pic.twitter.com/HNfbYgpyQd
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) July 8, 2021
Via his Instagram Story, Becks wrote: “Big night and proud to have been stood there watching Gareth and the boys make history... hard fight to the end, but wow was it worth it. Well done boys and well done to the incredible fans in the stadium and around the country. What a night.”
Gary Neville was also at Wembley in his capacity as a pundit for UK broadcaster ITV and, as the former defender later explained on social media, he was overwhelmed by the atmosphere.
“That crowd last night were a dream,” he said. “16 months of no real fan presence in football stadiums and one huge enormous outpouring of emotion over 120 mins brings back why football is special. A privilege to be inside Wembley, helped of course by a having brilliant team to watch!”
Wow! 27m people watching England v Denmark on @itvfootball last night! Largest ever audience for a football match on a single channel ! ❤️🙏
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 8, 2021
“Roy’s been to a Neil Diamond concert…”
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 7, 2021
“Yeah, about 10 years ago. I ended up arguing with the woman next to me - she kept singing the songs out loud, so I ended up in a bit of a trouble that night. But brilliant concert!” 🤣
Classic Roy Keane 😆#ITVFootball | #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/TH8G9KSKdr
“Brilliant, really top man,” Keane said. “I think I actually beat him with Sunderland at Middlesbrough and he was great after the games. Again, class guy. Top man, considering we had a difficult start.
“Just a quality guy. You can't begrudge Gareth any success, the way he has done it. He's worked with the U21s, he's been involved in nearly 100 international matches at all levels.
“I've got lots of time for Gareth. Obviously as players we battled and as managers, and working with him [we would] have some good chats and some late nights. Brilliant guy.”