London (TIP): After five decades of heartbreak and anguish, of shootout defeats and unfulfilled dreams, England again will play for a major men’s soccer trophy.

The Three Lions on Wednesday, July 7, took another step toward their first title since the 1966 World Cup, defeating Denmark, 2-1, in extra time at Wembley Stadium to advance to the European Championship final.

On Sunday, July 11, they will return to the famous venue in northwest London to face Italy, which advanced Tuesday with a penalty-kick triumph over Spain.

“They can see what it’s meant to the whole country and what it’s meant to the fans in the stadium,” said Coach Gareth Southgate, who guided England to the 2018 World Cup semifinals in Russia. “I’ve never known the new Wembley like this. Nights like tonight make it all worthwhile.”

England has not witnessed its national team in a major final since it won the World Cup at home 55 years ago — an eternity for a country that invented the modern game in the 19th century and boasts the sport’s most popular club circuit, the Premier League.

It will mark England’s first appearance in the Euro final in 10 attempts. (It lost in the semifinals twice.)

“We know we haven’t won nothing yet, but you have to enjoy winning,” said striker Harry Kane, who scored the winning goal on a rebound of his saved penalty kick in the 104th minute. “There is always that feeling in the back of your mind we’ve got one more to go, so you don’t want to get too carried away. … We’re obviously excited about a final on our home ground.”

The outcome ended an emotional ride for Denmark, a decided tournament underdog that, in its group opener last month in Copenhagen, watched in horror as star midfielder Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on the field. His life was saved by teammates and medics.

The Danes lost their first two matches before winning three straight and getting within two victories of repeating their 1992 European crown.

“We needed the support. We needed the empathy when that happened with Christian,” Coach Kasper Hjulmand said. “We have received a lot of love and support. It was an amazing feeling. These guys are outstanding. The whole nation should be proud.”

The outcome was not without controversy. Although England was the better side in the second half and extra time, following a 1-1 draw through 45 minutes, the deciding goal came after referee Danny Makkelie awarded a questionable penalty kick.

England’s Raheem Sterling tumbled in the box after light contact, and following Makkelie’s ruling, video review upheld the call.