The Red and Whites of Denmark will be hoping to tame England’s Three Lions when both teams meet at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt in their second game of the 2024 Euros
While Denmark does not have the names of England in abundance, they have a chemistry and cohesion that very few football teams can boast of.
The Red and Whites had a pretty strong qualification process, as they finished on top of Group H after accruing 22 points from ten games. It must also be said that they had a decent group, as they were pitched alongside Kazakhstan, Slovenia, Finland, Northern Ireland, and San Marino.
Denmark started the qualifiers on an outstanding note, as they defeated Finland 3-1 at the Parken Stadium, thanks to a hattrick from Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund. Former Premier League danger man Teemu Pukki assisted Oliver Antman in getting a consolation for the Finnish.
Denmark’s second game was against Kazakhstan in what might go down as one of the most exciting matches in the game’s history.
Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund scored a first-half brace to give the Danish side a comfortable two-goal lead. However, a second-half capitulation saw them lose to Kazakhstan, one of the worst European teams. Bakhtiyor Zaynutdinov started scoring in the 73rd minute, and then Askhat Tagybergen and Abat Aymbetov followed up to complete the comeback. However, the Red and Whites returned to winning ways in their day 3 fixture against Northern Ireland, with Jonas Wind scoring the clincher.
Then, against Slovenia in their fourth game, they dropped points again despite Hojlund getting on the scoresheet. Nonetheless, wins against Kazakhstan, San Marino, and Slovenia sealed their spot in the Euros, albeit they lost on the second on the final day of qualifiers against Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, star-studded England had an excellent qualifying campaign. They had two strong teams in the group -Italy and Ukraine. Nonetheless, they pulled through, emerging as group winners.
In the qualifiers, their first game was against Italy, and they put up a solid performance to win 2-1, courtesy goals from Declan Rice and Harry Kane. Then, they followed up with another victory against Ukraine thanks to strikes from Kane and Bukayo Saka. England then went to Malta to thrash them 4-0 before demolishing North Macedonia 7-0, with Saka getting a hattrick and Kane scoring a brace.
England went on to pick 20 points from their eight games in the group stage, winning six and drawing just two. They were one of the six countries that did not lose any of their qualifying games.
The Three Lions enter this fixture as the favorites due to their overflow of quality players. Denmark has a few stars, but England just edges it. In the last 14 meetings between both sides, dating back to 1956, England won seven, while Denmark won four fixtures.
However, the last two meetings between both sides in this tournament ended in draws after 90 minutes. Both sides were pitched against each other in the semifinals of the last Euros, and Harry Kane was the hero of the day, as he scored the winner in extra time.
Match tickets
This match will occur on June 20, 2024, at Deutsche Bank Park, the Waldstadion in Frankfurt. The Stadium was opened in 1925 and has a capacity of 50,500.
Denmark vs England Tickets can be obtained from the official UEFA website. But if the tickets are already sold out, enthusiastic fans could still get them from ticket reselling sites.
Team news
Line-ups
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand also has a clean slate. Eriksen has been struggling with a knee injury but should also be fit enough to play a part. So, Kasper should be able to field a strong starting eleven. He would be relying on Hojlund to do the damage for his side in this fixture.
Denmark Line-up: Kasper Schmeichel; Joachim Andersen, Andreas Christiensen, Joakim Maehle; Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Christian Eriksen; Robert Skov, Kasper Dolberg, Jonas Wind, Rasmus Hojlund.
Both teams will have the full complement of their squad for the game. Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been struggling with a groin injury, but he should be fit enough for the game. Also, Manchester United star Marcus Rashford could be dropped to the bench following recent poor performances for club and country.
England Line-up: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Calvin Phillips, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane.
Prediction
As stated earlier, England has the stars, but Denmark has the chemistry and cohesion. The Danish are notorious for their stubborn defense, especially when facing big teams. So, a dogged defensive display should be expected.
Also, there will be a big battle in the game between Maguire and Hojlund. Both players are Manchester United players and know how each other operates. Maguire has improved since last season, and Hojlund can also score goals. With that in mind, that match-up would be essential.
Another player that could decide the direction of the game is Eriksen. He had a poor season with Manchester but could turn on the heat for his country.
Meanwhile, Kane finished with eight goals in the qualifiers. He also scored against Denmark when they met in the last Euros. So, the Danish defense would be wary of him.
Looking at the strengths of both teams, a draw is the likely result.
Denmark 1-1 England