Euro 2024- Denmark vs England tips and predictions: Determined Danes limit Three Lions but fall short
- George Dempsey
- 19 June 2024
England will be confident of topping Group C if they avoid defeat against Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday (1700 BST) but we’re predicting a narrow win.
Frankfurt will host Denmark and England on Thursday as the nations expected to progress to the Round of 16 play out Group C’s headline clash.
The Danes should have beaten Slovenia at a canter. Missed chances means they’re now under pressure to claim at least three points from England and Serbia.
Luckily, they have a rather good record against the Three Lions. They’ve avoided defeat in five of seven meetings and forced extra-time in the Euro 2021 semi-final.
England’s 1-0 win over Serbia drew criticism from fans and pundits for the lack of attacking quality, but Gareth Southgate’s side did what they needed to do.
Serbia did a good job of getting to grips with England’s midfield, who weren’t at their best on the ball, and certainly weren’t aided by Phil Foden’s narrow wanderings.
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Despite that, Jordan Pickford was forced into one routine save as the Serbs rarely made it to the edge of England’s well-defended box. There was no real jeopardy.
However, a similar performance will land them in hot water against Denmark. Kasper Hjulmand’s side were wasteful but they, particularly Christian Eriksen, showed creativity.
Their failure to win their opening game is the motivating factor on Thursday. However, England’s average showing should also mean we see better from the tournament favourites.
Yet it’s hard to be too high on England’s chances until we see better. Recent performances against North Macedonia (1-1), Iceland (0-1) and Serbia (1-0) have all been below par.
The issue the Danes have is that 3-4-1-2 could allow England, who should dominate the ball, to isolate their attackers if Eriksen can’t get the better of Declan Rice, which is unlikely.
We’re expecting a better performance from the Three Lions, a solid defensive showing from Denmark and another tight game in which the favourites pinch it.
Team news
Denmark will continue in a 3-4-1-2 formation with Jannik Vestergaard, Andreas Christensen and Joachim Andersen at the back.
Eriksen was first class in their first match and will continue to pull the strings behind Jonas Wind and Rasmus Hojlund.
England should also be unchanged from the side that beat Serbia 1-0 on Sunday.
Kieran Tripper will continue at left back in Luke Shaw’s absence while Marc Geuhi will partner John Stones.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to partner Declan Rice in midfield and will be tasked with managing Eriksen and turning defence into attack.
Key stats
- Denmark are unbeaten in five of seven meetings with England
- The last meeting was at Euro 2021 when England won 2-1 in extra time
- Since 2000, England have won five and drawn one in their second group-stage game at the European Championships
- Harry Kane, England’s record tournament scorer (12), has scored more goals against Kasper Schmeichel (15) than any other goalkeeper
