UEFA EURO 2024 Group Stage
20 June, 2024 - Indian Date
Deutsche Bank Park
MATCH TIMES
India
09:30 PM
UAE
08:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
07:00 PM
MATCH LIVE INFO
England possible starting lineup: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Denmark possible starting lineup: Schmeichel; Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard; Bah, Hjulmand, Hojbjerg, Kristiansen; Eriksen; Wind, Hojlund
Match Preview
Seeking to secure their spot in the Euro 2024 knockout rounds with a game to spare, England face Denmark in a crucial Group C clash at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt on Thursday evening. This encounter marks the first meeting between the two nations since the semi-finals of Euro 2020, where England emerged victorious with a 2-1 win after extra time.
Denmark’s Recent Form and Lineup:
Christian Eriksen made an emotional return to the European Championship stage, scoring the opening goal in Denmark's 1-1 draw with Slovenia. His 17th-minute strike was a significant moment, especially considering his cardiac arrest during Euro 2020. However, Denmark couldn't hold onto their lead, conceding a late equalizer from Erik Janza.
Denmark's head coach, Kasper Hjulmand, admitted that his team lacked intensity towards the end of the match and emphasized the need for high energy throughout the game against England. Ranked 21st in the world by FIFA, Denmark has been tough to beat recently, losing just one of their last 13 international matches. However, they have a poor recent record in European Championship group stages, winning only one of their last six fixtures.
Historically, Denmark has struggled against England, winning just four of their 22 previous encounters. Failure to win this match would put them at risk of another early exit from a major tournament, following their group stage elimination at the 2022 World Cup.
Hjulmand is likely to stick with a similar lineup, featuring a three-man defense with Joachim Andersen, Andreas Christensen, and Jannik Vestergaard. Kasper Schmeichel will continue in goal, while Joakim Maehle might return at wing-back. In midfield, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Morten Hjulmand are expected to continue, supporting forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Jonas Wind, with Eriksen in a central attacking role.
England’s Performance and Potential Changes
England started their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serbia, courtesy of a Jude Bellingham header. Despite their early dominance, England had to withstand significant pressure in the second half to secure the win. Manager Gareth Southgate praised his team's resilience, particularly their defensive efforts, as England kept their fifth consecutive clean sheet in European Championship group stage matches.
Currently atop Group C, two points ahead of Denmark and Slovenia, England can guarantee a place in the last 16 with a win on Thursday. They aim to win their opening two matches at a Euros tournament for the first time, although they have struggled in recent competitive matches against Denmark.
Southgate might consider minor changes to his lineup. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who played in central midfield against Serbia, could make way for Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, or Adam Wharton. Phil Foden, who was less effective on the left wing, might continue there due to the strong performances of Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka in their preferred positions, although Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, or Eberechi Eze could also be options.
Conclusion:
Both teams are fully aware of the high stakes in this encounter. Denmark needs a win to bolster their chances of progressing, while England aims to secure early qualification for the knockout stages. With Denmark's solid recent form and England's defensive resilience, this match promises to be a competitive and tightly contested affair.