In their second group game, England’s performance was marked by lethargy and disjointed play, despite an early goal from Harry Kane. The Three Lions failed to capitalize on their early advantage, and their captain was eventually substituted amid a lackluster display. Despite this disappointing performance, England remains at the top of Group C and has the opportunity to secure a spot in the last-16 with a win against Slovenia on Tuesday.
Report
England missed the chance to advance to the second round of Euro 2024, drawing disappointingly with Denmark. Harry Kane scored an early goal, but England then fell back, allowing Denmark to equalize through a superb strike by Morten Hjulmand. Phil Foden nearly reclaimed the lead with a 20-yard drive that hit the post, but Denmark looked the more deserving of victory.
In the final ten minutes, Andreas Christensen missed a half-volley, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s shot narrowly missed Jordan Pickford’s far post. Despite the poor display, England remains in control of Group C, leading with four points, while Denmark and Slovenia each have two.
Player of the Match – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Denmark)
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was a standout performer, nearly clinching victory for Denmark with his relentless drive and pressure in the attacking third. He outplayed England’s higher-rated midfielders, constantly pushing forward and keeping England on the back foot. Though he took several shots, his persistence nearly paid off, and his performance deserved recognition.
Analysis
England may have been fortunate to secure a point against Denmark. Their lackluster performance highlighted significant issues that Gareth Southgate must address if they are to mount a serious challenge for the Euro 2024 title, as many had anticipated.
Fitness and Energy Levels
One of the most concerning issues is the team’s fitness and energy. England displayed a severe lack of intensity both in and out of possession. Jude Bellingham was surprisingly off-form, and Harry Kane appeared sluggish. The team frequently found themselves stretched and outpaced, raising serious concerns about their physical conditioning.
Tactical Problems
Tactical imbalances were also evident. The wide gaps between Bellingham and the holding midfielders, who often dropped back onto the center-halves, highlighted a lack of balance in the midfield. This tactical misalignment needs urgent correction, and it seems unlikely that Trent Alexander-Arnold will start in midfield against Slovenia.
Combination Play and Role Clarity
England’s combination play was disjointed, and the ongoing puzzle of how to extract a Premier League Player of the Season performance from Phil Foden in an England shirt remains unsolved. Harry Kane’s role, whether to drop deep or stay high, also seems unclear, further complicating the team’s tactical coherence.
Immediate Challenges
Southgate’s decision to throw on three attackers in the second half against Denmark suggested a search for solutions, but the issues run deeper. England’s tired-looking players must regroup and deliver against Slovenia on Tuesday. A victory could have allowed Southgate to rest key players and make wholesale changes, but now, he faces the challenge of revitalizing a fatigued squad and solving the tactical dilemmas that hinder their performance.
Southgate has his work cut out for him as he strives to fix these issues mid-tournament and build momentum for a serious title challenge.
PLAYER RATINGS
Denmark: Schmeichel 6; Andersen 6, Christensen 6, Vestergaard 6; Maehle 6, Hojbjerg 8*, Hjulmand 7, Kristiansen 5; Eriksen 7; Hojlund 6, Wind 6.
Subs: Damshaard 7, Poulsen 6, Bah 6, Skov Olsen 6, Nrgaard 6.
England: Pickford 6; Walker 6, Stones 6, Guehi 7, Trippier 6; Alexander-Arnold 6, Rice 5; Saka 7, Bellingham 6, Foden 7; Kane 6.
Subs: Gallagher 6, Eze 6, Watkins 6, Bowen 6.
Key stats
- England are unbeaten in their last 13 EURO group stage matches (W8 D5), since a 2-1 defeat against France in their opening fixture at EURO 2004.
- England have never started a EURO final tournament with two successive wins.
- England have lost only four of their 23 matches against Denmark (W13 D6 L4).
- Denmark failed to score the opening goal for the first time in their last seven EURO games.
- Denmark have lost only one of their last 14 international matches (W9 D4).
- Hjulmand scored his first goal for Denmark on his ninth international appearance.