'It's great for the country' - Mick Channon backing England in crunch semi-final

Semi-final fever has most certainly reached the racing world, with the sport set to finish early on Wednesday so all eyes focus on Wembley as England look to edge closer to a historic first tournament victory in 55 years.

The final race of the day at Kempton finishes 15 minutes before the crunch match between England and Denmark, where the winners will face either Italy or Spain in the final on Sunday.

England v Denmark predictions: Three Lions on course to reach Euro final

Saturday's smooth quarter-final victory over Ukraine was watched by over 20 million people and England remain as short as 11-8 to lift the Euro 2020 title as excitement and belief reaches an all-time high across the country.

Mick Channon made 46 international appearances for England, scoring 21 goals, before joining the training ranks and is confident ahead of the 8pm kick-off.

Mick Quinn: 'I don't think England have had a better chance'

"It's no gimme," he warned. "I still think they can do it but you've got to win every game like it's the final. If you don't, you're out. Denmark are a good and solid team but so are we. England go there with an outstanding chance, it's great for the country."

Mick Quinn, another footballer-turned-trainer, who will be following the action from the pub added: "I don't think England have had a better chance to win a competition than this.

"They look fresh and the energy and togetherness is there. That's a big plus going into a semi-final, especially with it being at Wembley. To me they were always going to get to quarters or the semis on ability, and now's the time to stand up. They've got all the talent and it's up to them to get the permutation right on the day.

"It's been a great feel-good factor for the country after the pandemic, it's given us a lift so I hope we can make it. In the pubs here you see the cheering, laughing and smiling. Sport does that."

Not all of racing's participants will be cheering on Gareth Southgate's side. Danish-born jockey Kevin Stott has followed his country's progression to this stage, which began on a horrific note with star player Christian Eriksen suffering a cardiac arrest during their first group match.

Kevin Stott: will be cheering on Denmark at WembleyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Stott said: "I'll be meeting up with a couple of friends at home. They'll be on the other couch that's for sure.

"I speak a lot to my family at home in Denmark and they're saying that when the matches are on there's a whole different atmosphere over there. With Denmark being such a small country, they're all behind each other.

"What happened in the first game shocked everyone and I think, if anything, that's made them want it even more to show Christian and the nation how good a team they are.

"I'm sure they'll go close, I don't think it'll be a 3-0 or 4-0, I expect it'll be tight. We saw that in the last game when Denmark beat them 1-0 at Wembley. It'll be a very interesting game and a good one to watch."

Southgate: the name reserved by trainer Amy Murphy

Amy Murphy has already reserved the name Southgate for a horse in the future and is looking forward to finding a suitable talent for the name.

Murphy trains from Southgate Stables in Newmarket but the name is only the second she has ever reserved – the other was Kalashnikov, a future Grade 1 winner over fences.

Amy Murphy: has reserved the name Southgate for a future horseCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It was a bit of fun initially, thankfully things have gone in our favour," she said. "We're always looking for new ways of getting people into the yard and it seemed like a good idea.

"England improved over the weekend. Timeform would be putting a 'P' next to their name and if they improve again, they've got a great chance. You've got to believe in them!"

Read more on the upcoming Euro 2020 semi-finals. . .

England v Denmark man of the match, player shot & card bets: Sterling can star

Young Lions can free themselves from history and let us down on their own terms

Defensive core has been the key to Danish success

England have the right mentality to reach final but it won't be an easy win

Italy v Spain predictions: impressive Azzurri should punish Wembley opponents

Irresistible Italy have the depth of talent to end Spain's chaotic run

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