In Frankfurt, England once again flattered to deceive after an unimpressive 1-0 win over Serbia to open their tournament. Harry Kane had given the Three Lions an early lead as England pounced on a Danish defensive error, but Morten Hjulmand’s spectacular strike earned Denmark a 1-1 draw on Thursday, denying England the chance to advance to the Euro 2024 knockout stages.
Hjulmand’s rocket from outside the box levelled before half-time and Denmark were left to rue missing late chances to secure a famous victory.
England remain on top of Group C, two points clear of Slovenia, who they face in Cologne on Tuesday, and Denmark.
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Serbia’s late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Slovenia earlier on Thursday also keeps their destiny in their own hands.
England boss Gareth Southgate said on Wednesday that he avoids media coverage during tournaments to escape negative stories.
But will be braced for more criticism after another flat display from one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel claimed on the eve of the game they would not be fuelled by revenge for their Euro 2020 semi-final heartbreak to England three years ago.
However, the Danes were a different beast from the side that disappointed at the 2022 World Cup and in drawing against Slovenia to open their tournament in Germany.
Denmark had made the brighter start as both sides struggled to cope with a bobbly pitch in Frankfurt that cut up badly in just its second game of five at Euro 2024.
However, England took the lead after 18 minutes by taking advantage of a mistake made by Hjulmand’s team. Kyle Walker’s move down the right side caught Victor Kristiansen off guard, and his deflected low cross dropped just right for Kane to score his 13th goal at a major event.
One criticism of England under Southgate has been their inability to build on early 1-0 leads.
The Three Lions were beaten by Croatia and Italy in the 2018 World Cup semi-final and the Euro 2020 final.
Even though it required a tremendous goal to tie the score, Denmark was not deterred this time.
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