Denmark hold England to a 1-1 draw after another disappointing display from The Three Lions in Euro 2024.
England for the second consecutive game, scored early against their opponents through Harry Kane in the 18th minute. It was a typical poacher's goal as a cross from Kyle Walker took a deflection into the path of Kane in the box to slot it past Danish Captain Kasper Schmeichel.
Kasper Hjulmand’s side responded positively after going behind, equalising in the 34th minute courtesy of a wonder strike from Morten Hjulmand. A cheap giveaway by the goal scorer from an England throw-in gave Hjulmand the space outside the box as he unleashed an effort from long range which nestled into the bottom corner of Jordon Pickford’s net.
Yet again it was another timid display from England after they took the lead. The same issues which we saw against Serbia were apparent as the momentum that England had in the first 20 minutes disappeared and allowed Denmark to get a hold of the game.
The attack will most likely receive most of the criticism from fans as Gareth Southgate’s team was toothless besides the Kane goal. The goal scorer himself disappointed, as he played too deep with no runners ahead of him, leaving too much space in attack and no one there to capitalise.
Phil Foden had another poor game, as he struggled to make a significant impact on the match. Fans and pundits have argued that his poor performances can be attributed to Southgate using him out of position on the left which his play-style does not suit. It will be interesting to see if Southgate will drop him for England’s final group game against Slovenia or move him into a more familiar central position.
Fans have also continued to question Trent Alexander-Arnold's midfield role after a weak performance. Post match Southgate addressed concerns about England’s midfield in which he expressed a lack of a type of midfielder that his team has missed.
Southgate stated: “We know we don’t have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips.”
Phillips was omitted from the England squad after a poor season saw him move to West Ham on loan where he continued his poor form and could not get into the Iron’s starting XI. It could be suggested that Southgate saw Alexander-Arnold as the closest replacement to Phillips however excuses such as this will not bring any sympathy from fans unhappy with recent displays.
The Three Lions are still two points clear of Group C despite the poor performance and unconvincing result. Going into their final group game against Slovenia, their final position in the group is still in their hands.
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