Denmark vs England – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Denmark faces England in UEFA Euro 2024 on Thursday in Group C. De Rød-Hvide drew 1-1 in their first match whilst the Three Lions squeezed a 1-0 win over Serbia. These sides last met at Wembley at Euro 2020 as England won 2-1 in the semi-finals after extra time.

Denmark Form

Denmark reached the final four of the last Euros but crashed out in the Group Stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They’ve recently become a very difficult team to beat. Their last 13 fixtures have only seen one loss, a 2-0 loss vs Northern Ireland in their final Euros qualifier.

In March’s friendlies, they drew 0-0 against Switzerland and beat Faroe Islands 2-0. Their pre-Euros friendlies were against their Nordic neighbours. They beat Sweden 2-1 and Norway 3-1. Denmark’s only tournament match was a 1-1 draw vs Slovenia as they surrendered a 1-0 lead.

Denmark Team News

Judging by his late changes in the draw vs Slovenia, coach Kasper Hjulmand was happy with his XI. The team’s 3-4-1-2 formation relies on Christian Eriksen behind Man Utd teammate Rasmus Hojlund.

The one possible alteration is Joakim Maehle coming into the side at left wingback. Victor Kristiansen is the man most likely to drop to the bench.

Denmark Motivation

The Danes would find themselves in trouble if they lost this match. Even a draw may make their final group match a must-win vs Serbia.

With a back three, Denmark tends to keep possession in deeper areas and keep a lot of men behind the ball.

England Form

England topped their group in qualifying for the European Championships without losing a match (six wins, two draws). Their final match saw a 1-1 draw away in North Macedonia. Three days later, they lost 1-0 to Brazil at Wembley before a 2-2 draw vs Belgium.

A 3-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina and a poor 1-0 loss to Iceland in pre-tournament friendlies should be little indication of their chances of lifting this trophy. They won 1-0 vs Serbia in their opener but struggled to involve Harry Kane, who had just two touches in the first half.

England Team News

Gareth Southgate is set to stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation. Trent Alexander-Arnold will probably start in midfield once again in preference to Kobbie Mainoo and Conor Gallagher.

Luke Shaw is still some way off starting matches so Kieran Trippier will deputise at left back. Phil Foden is set to play on the left with Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer left on the bench.

England Motivation

England can reach the last-16 with a victory and will not settle for a draw. Southgate’s side are far from attacking despite their riches in the forward line.

If they score first, expect the Three Lions to go into their shell and try to protect the 1-0 result.

Key Stats

Denmark have won just 1 of their last 6 Euros group matches (lost 4)

Denmark have lost just 1 of their last 13 matches

England have kept 5 clean sheets in a row in Euros group matches

England are unbeaten in 3 matches vs Denmark in tournament

England have seen Under 1.5 goals in 3 of their last 4 meetings vs Denmark

Verdict

This match is unlikely to be a goal-fest. If England scores first, they could win 1-0 again and that looks like a good bet.

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals at 1.64

Alternate Bet: England win at 1.68

Correct Score Tip: Denmark 0-1 England at 5.75

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis