England Held to Draw by Denmark, Leaving Group Decider for Final Match.
England missed their first chance to secure a place in the 2024 UEFA European Championship knockout rounds after an underwhelming 1-1 draw against Denmark in Frankfurt. The result means the Three Lions will have to wait until the final group game to confirm their progression.
Following their early goal in the 1-0 win over Serbia, England made another impressive start against Denmark, breaking the deadlock in just 18 minutes. Kyle Walker showcased great persistence to win the ball high up the pitch before his cross found Harry Kane, who finished easily to become the third England player to score in four different major tournaments.
However, England failed to capitalise on Kane’s 64th international strike, adopting a passive approach that saw them punished by Morten Hjulmand’s 34th-minute piledriver. The Danish midfielder was given ample time to unleash a fierce long-range shot, which fizzed in off the post, sending the Danish fans into raptures.
After a disappointing end to the first half, England responded positively in the second. In his final act before being replaced by Conor Gallagher, Trent Alexander-Arnold produced a sublime long pass to Bukayo Saka, who could only steer his header into the side-netting from a narrow angle. Shortly after, Phil Foden nearly caught Kasper Schmeichel off guard, hitting the upright with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.
Gareth Southgate made further changes, introducing Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, and Ollie Watkins. Watkins quickly made an impact, racing onto Jude Bellingham’s defence-splitting pass before forcing Schmeichel into a near-post save.
England were reminded to stay vigilant defensively, with Jordan Pickford making a full-stretch dive to deny Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. The Danish midfielder then unleashed another long-range strike after capitalising on a Bellingham error, with Pickford relieved to see the ball whistle wide.
Ultimately, England had to settle for a point, which keeps them top of their group ahead of their final game against Slovenia. Denmark, with two points, are in second place and will also look to their final match to secure their progression.
