England missed an opportunity to secure their passage to the second round of Euro 2024 with a disappointing draw against Denmark. Despite scoring an early goal through Harry Kane, they dropped back and allowed Denmark to equalize with a strike from Morten Hjulmand. Despite Phil Foden hitting the post, it was Denmark who looked more likely to score a winner in the closing stages. England remains in control of Group C, topping the table on four points.
Criticism has been directed towards England for their lack of cohesive play and defensive approach against Denmark. They lacked pressure on Denmark in possession and failed to mount an organized press. This lack of system and fluidity raises concerns about their status as pre-tournament favorites. While they may top the group and progress to the later stages of the tournament, they are unlikely to challenge the top-four sides.
Denmark’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was named Player of the Match for his influential performance. He was close to securing a victory for Denmark and outplayed higher-rated opposition midfielders. Whenever Denmark ventured forward, Hojbjerg applied pressure on the England defense and nearly clinched a win. Despite his shot-happiness, his impact on the game was significant.
Player ratings for Denmark and England highlighted Hojbjerg’s standout performance, along with contributions from other key players on both sides. The match saw moments of excitement, including goals from Kane and Hjulmand, as well as near misses from Foden and Hojbjerg. Ultimately, the draw reflected a lackluster display from England and a more determined effort from Denmark.
The match highlights showcased key moments, including Kane’s opening goal, Hjulmand’s equalizer, Foden hitting the post, and chances for Christensen and Hojbjerg. These events highlighted the competitive nature of the game and the opportunities that both teams had to secure a win. Despite England’s early lead, Denmark were able to respond and push for a victory, ultimately settling for a draw.
As the tournament progresses, England will need to address their shortcomings and improve their performance if they hope to advance and compete against the top teams. The draw with Denmark serves as a reminder of the challenges they face and the need for a more cohesive and proactive approach. With the competition heating up, England will need to step up their game to meet the expectations placed upon them as potential favorites.
