Damsinho, the dashing Danish striker

Rome, Italy - Thrust into the starting line-up after Christian Eriksen's near-fatal cardiac arrest, Mikkel Damsgaard has emerged as Denmark's revelation of Euro 2020, helping his country resurrect a campaign that was almost over before it started.

Nicknamed ' Damsinho', the gifted Damsgaard, whose flamboyant talent has caught the eye of Europe's elite, embodies the enthusiasm and determination of a Danish team that faces England in Wednesday's semifinal at Wembley.

"I could never have dreamed of a better birthday present. It's crazy to get to Wembley," said the Sampdoria winger, cited by Danish daily BT, after Saturday's 2-1 quarterfinal win over the Czech Republic, on the day of his 21st birthday. throw himself into this and do it on this stage (Euro 2020) is fantastic," he told Danish media.

‘100 per cent inspired by Eriksen’

His superb opening goal in the crucial 4-1 group-stage win over Russia saw him become Denmark's youngest scorer at a European Championship.

The Danes scraped through as runners-up of Group B despite losing their first two games, and Damsgaard impressed again in the 4-0 thrashing of Wales.

"He resembles a graduate fresh out of school... but on the big stage at the Euro, he appears like an old, seasoned fighter for the national team, almost like Christian Eriksen in his prime," wrote BT.

Like the Inter Milan midfielder,

Damsgaard is technically adept, strong with both feet and possesses great vision. "I have been inspired by him, 100%," he told Danish news agency Ritzau.

"He is one of the players I have watched the most. I really looked up to him when I was younger and played more like a No 10, just like him."

Damsgaard though is quick to point out the two play different roles, explaining: "I'm a bit more on the wing and in attack than him." His performances haven't gone unnoticed either in Italy, where Damsgaard made steady progress this season under Claudio Ranieri at Sampdoria.

He played 35 times in Serie A, scoring twice, no mean feat in a league where it can be hard for youngsters to settle.