The Stroud News & Journal’s front-page England superfan predicted a 2-1 England victory over Denmark before last night's game - with extra time.
Ethan Horton, 18, from Eastcombe, was photographed singing his support for England at the Queen Vic on Saturday as Gareth Southgate’s team went 2-0 up against Ukraine.
The former Marling and Stroud High Sixth Form student shared his thoughts before Wednesday's 8pm showdown and he was spot on.
“I said before the Euros that this year England were going to do the best they’ve ever done,” said Ethan, who fell in love with the game at the age of 5 after watching Liverpool play in his favourite colour, red.
“The team have been incredible to watch, it’s been a pleasure because all the players are playing for the beautiful game rather than the beautiful amount of money that comes with playing it.”
Ethan said he remembers watching football with his dad throughout his childhood before chanting along with friends as he got older, and despite the 55 years of hurt he believes this is England’s year.
“I do think we have a massive chance, obviously we’ve had 55 years of hurt, but I do think this is the one.”
“I believe that it’s going to be a very tight game, 2-1 [to England]. Both teams are going to score because I think that, let alone it’s a semi-final, Denmark have a goal in them.”
He said he felt a little nervous but believed a 1-1 draw at full-time would become a 2-1 England victory in extra-time.
“In the game with the Czech Republic, Denmark looked lethal for the first half and I think we’ve got to hold our defensive line which we seem to be doing very well - I think that’s been our biggest strength in the Euros so far.”
“If we can hold our defensive line and capitalise on the counter-attack, I do think we have a very good chance of holding up against Denmark.”
He said England will benefit from the fans at Wembley, but Denmark are held together by Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest.
“What made me love football was that it brings people together across the nation.
“I just think football is the one thing for me that no matter what losses happen in one year, I can give all of my love and all of my passion, always having hope of next year and next time.”
Asked if it really was coming home, Ethan said: “After every single game that we’ve played I’ve thought, goodness me it is actually coming home.”
“It absolutely f****** is coming home, I swear to you.”
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