PETER SCHMEICHEL has vowed son Kasper will be ready and waiting if Denmark’s Euro 2020 semi-final against England goes to penalties.
Manchester United legend Schmeichel was the spot-kick hero in 1992 when he saved from Marco Van Basten to earn the Danes a semi-final win over the Netherlands on the way to European Championship glory.
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And he says Kasper, 34, will be just as switched on should Wednesday’s clash with England go all the way to penalties at Wembley.
The 57-year-old said: “I am sure he would feel the same as I did – that it is yet another challenge.
“You have to deal with that and it is part of the job you’ve chosen to do. You know how significant is it and how big it is but at the end of the day you can only do so much as a goalkeeper and he will be prepared for it.
“I think one thing he will think of is the last time Denmark was in the European Championship semi-finals, Denmark did win on penalties so he can bring that into it.”
With England favourites to reach a first ever European Championship final, Schmeichel warned Gareth Southgate’s side not to underestimate Denmark.
After losing their first two group games, including the opener against Finland when Christian Eriksen collapsed due to a cardiac arrest, Kasper Hjulmand has guided his team to victories against Russia, Wales and Czech Republic.
It means the Danes are back in the Euro semi-finals for the first time in 29 years but there will be no extra nerves in the Schmeichel household.
Schmeichel added: “I have learned not to look at the games with my son in it but look at it with Kasper in it and be confident enough that he is good enough to be there and therefore I don’t have to be extra nervous because he is in there.
“You have to realise you are playing a good team when you reach the semi-final. Any team you play will be a quality team, there is no doubt about that.
“We could have played Italy or Spain, they are equally as strong but I think what we have proven in our campaign is that we are a strong team as well.
“And we can be a danger to anyone. We have a chance against anyone and that type of confidence I am absolutely sure the team will take that into this game on Wednesday.”
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