‘Bitter’ Denmark boss airs complaints after England defeat

Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand admits he is bitter after England ended his battling side’s Euro 2020 dream.

Harry Kane’s extra-time winner sunk the Danes and earned the Three Lions a 2-1 semi-final win at Wembley.

Kane scored after England were awarded a penalty by referee Danny Makkelie when Raheem Sterling went down under Joakim Maehle’s challenge.

Kasper Schmeichel saved Kane’s spot-kick – only for the striker to convert the rebound and send England through to a final with Italy on Sunday.

Denmark manager Hjulmand was unhappy there was a second ball on the pitch at the time of the foul but also insisted it was not a penalty. He belongs in our angry Mailbox.

The jubilant one is here.

He said: “It was a penalty which should not have been a penalty. It is something which annoys me right now. We are very disappointed.

“You cannot pass by the ball on the pitch which has so much influence on the game.

“I know it sounds weird right now but I cannot help having these feelings. One thing is to lose a game, it happens, but losing this way is disappointing because these guys have fought a lot.

“It feels bitter but we have to digest this before we can discuss these feelings. It’s a bitter way to leave the tournament.

“The way we lost makes it harder to understand why we lost. I have to be careful with what I say. We have an amazing group and we definitely can do something great again.

“Maybe it is easier for me to say how I feel in a few days.”

Hjulmand also congratulated victorious England boss Gareth Southgate after the Three Lions reached their first major tournament final for 55 years.

He said: “I want to congratulate my colleague Gareth. I followed what the FA has done and how he works with the young players, gets involved and how he behaves with the values he has.

“How he represents and communicates is outstanding. Congratulations Gareth, you are doing a great job in a difficult job.”

Southgate has pinpointed one area England must improve on in the final against Italy. The actual final!