What is it like playing in a semi-final of a major tournament for England? Former players give their advice.

ICYMI... Italy lie in wait in Sunday's final after the Azzurri beat Spain on penalties in the first semi-final at Wembley.

David James
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Breakfast

"I was at the game yesterday and I think that anyone who watched it will know that no matter what you do, it doesn't always turn out as planned, but I think our players will be calm, focused and they'll just continue what they've been doing all the way through the tournament, which is putting in decent enough performances to get them through to the next stage knowing that the opposition are capable of causing them problems.

"From the performance last night, Spain deserved to win that game, but in the end it's who wins the penalty shootout, so there could be a moment for Denmark, but I think there will be more moments for England and hopefully it doesn't go to a dreaded penalty shootout.

"It might go to extra time, then England will be triumphant. But I don't think it will go to penalties."

Hope he's right, can we all go through a penalty shootout two days in a row? Can England fans go through another penalty shootout at all?

As England prepare for their Euro 2020 semi-final, landmarks across Sunderland are being lit up in red and white to mark the occasion and the efforts of Wearside-born goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Fulwell Mill, Penshaw Monument (both pictured) Northern Spire bridge, Keel Square, the white lighthouse at Seaburn and the Beacon of Light were all lit in the England team's colours last night.

They will also be lit up again later - as well as the weekend if the team make it to the final.

Image source, NNP

Council leader Graeme Miller said the authority was "delighted" to be lighting the National Trust-owned landmarks "to cheer on our homegrown heroes and the England team".

"They've both had a fantastic tournament with Jordan Henderson scoring his first ever England goal on Saturday and Jordan Pickford yet to concede, so we have even more reasons to cheer England on.

"We want them to know that their city is both immensely proud of them and right behind them when they take to the pitch at Wembley."

Image source, NNP

Philip Edwards - I went to every England game, including the final, in 1966. This year, we really have a team who can win a major competition again.

Robert Alexander - I watched England win in '66 from my hospital bed after a near death experience. The win helped my recovery! I can't wait for the semi-final!

Terry Andrew Hymans - In 1966, I was a raw police constable with three years service. I was amongst other young recruits policing Wembley Stadium. Wonderful memories!

Image source, PA Media

Does anybody else have any lucky omens today, or maybe even pre-match rituals that have worked so far?

Karen Carney
Former England winger on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast

"I'm positive, I'm nervous, I'm superstitious as well - I've got the same top on that I wore for the last game, washed obviously. But that's my sign for today, wear the same England jersey.

"It's going to be difficult, I actually think that were going to extra time. Denmark are really good with a really good shape and I think we'll have to match it.

"This is the biggest test that England will have. The Germany game was a mental block in terms of beating them but I think this Denmark team is very special, very talented and obviously what's happened has brought them together. But even before that I felt that they were dark horses going into the tournament.

"As a pundit, I am a little bit worried because of how good they are and as a fan I'm even more nervous, but I look at our England group, they are special as well, so I think it'll be an exceptional game.

"I think Gareth Southgate will match their shape and be positive. I personally would bring in Bukayo Sako and Kieran Trippier as well, and go similar to how he played against Germany. Wait for the game to open up and then bring on your Grealish's, your Sancho's and then go for it. That's our strength, our substitutes."

BBC Radio 5 Live

Former Rangers, Newcastle and Birmingham forward Peter Lovenkrands spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live's Chris Warburton earlier about his country Denmark's game against England later...

Dave, a Geordie Down Under: I once watched England vs Colombia WC 1998, from Magnetic Island, Australia, at 2am, in a barn with possums running around the rafters!

Two London Underground workers who have become famous for posting uplifting messages on white boards in Tube stations have given their unique take ahead of tonight's semi-final.

The Story of "IT" was created by Jeremy Chopra and Ian Redpath, who have been putting up quotes and poems anonymously on the information board at North Greenwich station since March 2017.

Tony Hitchcock - I was at Wembley for the final in 66 ... also was at the Germany game last week .. and my pal has given me a ticket for Sunday... lucky me!

Mike Hurst - The '66 World Cup was my first experience of England - I support West Ham, my name's Hurst and the final was on my birthday. Best present ever!

Arran Watson - My mum was at Wembley for the '66 final. Paid a tuppence over face value from a tout outside to get in and sat behind Sean Connery.

Image source, PA Media

So, people talking about football 'Coming Home' and Boris saying the pubs can open later for Sunday's final. One of my colleagues has even seen their milk delivery cancelled for Monday as the dairy has given the milkmen the day off after the final.

Just a word of warning everyone... England aren't even there yet! So, we also want to hear about any other cases of England fans jumping the gun.

On Tuesday, Boris Johnson granted pubs special permission to open until 23:15 on Sunday - 15 minutes after normal closing time - in case the Euro 2020 final goes to extra time and penalties.

The game starts at 20:00 so normal time would finish at around 22:00.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We are taking forward plans to allow pubs to open until 11.15pm on Sunday.

"The entire nation has been gripped by the Euros and this will ensure people can come together to enjoy the final in pubs, should they wish to do so."

Jean-Paul Breyer: I couldn’t want England to win more than anything else tonight! We had a « final teams » prediction contest going on in my company here in France and guess who wrote down Italy vs England 2 weeks ago? Euro 2020 jersey up for grabs!

BBC Radio 5 Live

"It's Coming Home," says comedian Justin Moorhouse. "To China... What are we doing?

"We ran with this game on Shrove Tuesday and thought we invented it. We didn't. Like all things, it was invented in China."

Justin backs England to reach the final but says Italy will win a dreadful game 1-0, with England losing to the "first bad refereeing decision of the tournament".

"And we will never stop talking about if forever more - it'll overtake the Hand of God."

Don't even joke about these things, Justin. Just don't!!

BBC Radio 5 Live

The first ever morning edition of 606 is now over, and there was lots of optimism on the show. One England fan thinks they can go all the way.

"They haven't got the burden of history on their shoulders," he said.

There was even a Scottish caller who wants England to win.

Whatever the outcome later, those football fans will all have a tale to tell when they look back on Euro 2020.

Over the last few days we've asked you to send us your memories of following England in major tournaments.

Hundreds of you have replied and over the next few hours we'll bring you some of the best stories.

Image source, Reuters

Imagine being English and having a Danish partner? Should be interesting in these two households later.

As for Lasse Hammer, he's been living in England for 25 years, so says he is 52% Danish and 48% English.

The 45-year-old is going to the match at Wembley with his eldest son Daniel, 20.