By England square off against Denmark in their second Euro 2024 Group C match today, aiming to secure consecutive victories and book their place in the last-16. The Three Lions come into the clash as favorites, despite a lackluster second-half display in their opening 1-0 win over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.
Jude Bellingham’s solitary goal proved decisive for Gareth Southgate’s side, who made an impressive start but faded badly after the break. Nonetheless, a new-look defense held firm and Bellingham’s performance offered encouragement as England look to grow into the tournament and mount a serious challenge for the trophy.
Denmark, meanwhile, were held to a frustrating draw by Slovenia in their opening match on Sunday, piling pressure on a team that impressed en route to the semi-finals at the last European Championship three years ago. England were the team to eliminate them at Wembley on that occasion, and the Danes will be keen to avoid a similar fate in Frankfurt.
Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand is expected to make changes to his starting lineup after the disappointing opening display. Morten Hjulmand and Jonas Wind could lose their spots in the midfield and attack, respectively, with Brentford duo Christian Norgaard and Mathias Jensen vying for a call-up. Yussuf Poulsen and Joakim Maehle are also in contention, while captain Simon Kjaer, 35, could be drafted in as his minutes are managed carefully.
England, on the other hand, are unlikely to tinker with their starting XI, despite criticism of their performance against Serbia. No injury concerns were reported following the opening match, although Luke Shaw remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury. Kieran Trippier, who suffered a cramp on Sunday, is expected to retain his place.
Should Southgate opt to make changes, Phil Foden could make way for either Anthony Gordon or Eberechi Eze on the left flank, while Conor Gallagher impressed off the bench when replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
England have never lost to Denmark at a major tournament, knocking them out at the last Euros and the 2002 World Cup, while also drawing 0-0 in the Euro 92 group stage. With Denmark lacking the firepower to trouble Jordan Pickford, and England growing in confidence after their opening win, a 2-0 victory for the Three Lions is predicted.
The match kicks off at 5pm BST at the Waldstadion in Frankfurt, with England heavily favored to secure all three points and take a significant step towards the knockout stages of Euro 2024.
