Denmark vs England – June 21, 2024 | In a tightly contested UEFA Euro 2024 Group C match, Denmark and England battled to a 1-1 draw in Frankfurt. Harry Kane opened the scoring for England, but Morten Hjulmand’s long-range strike ensured the points were shared. The match, filled with key moments and tactical maneuvers, highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament.
Match Summary
- Venue: Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt
- Date and Time: June 21, 2024
- Result: Denmark 1 – 1 England
Key Moments
- 1′: Højbjerg with First Shot on Target
- 12′: Foden Curler Goes Wide
- 18′: Kane Puts England Ahead
- 34′: Hjulmand Levels from Distance
- 56′: Foden Hits Post with Powerful Shot
- 70′: Schmeichel Denies Watkins
- 84′: Christensen Skies Close-Range Effort
Team Statistics | Denmark vs England
Denmark:
- Yellow Cards: 3
- Corner Kicks: 4
- Total Shots: 14
- Shots On Target: 7
- Ball Possession: 46%
- Goals Conceded: 1
- Goals Scored: 1
England:
- Yellow Cards: 1
- Corner Kicks: 2
- Total Shots: 10
- Shots On Target: 4
- Ball Possession: 54%
- Goals Conceded: 1
- Goals Scored: 1
Match in Brief: Victory Eludes Both Teams
The Denmark vs England match started with an immediate statement of intent from Denmark. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg tested Jordan Pickford within the very first minute, signaling an aggressive approach from the Danes. However, the game soon settled into a pattern of England controlling possession and Denmark looking to counterattack.
England’s dominance in possession eventually paid off. After a promising chance for Phil Foden, who sent a curling shot just wide, Harry Kane capitalized on a diverted cross to put England ahead in the 18th minute. The goal was a classic poacher’s effort, with Kane demonstrating his clinical finishing ability.
Denmark, undeterred, responded by increasing the pressure on England. Their persistence was rewarded when Morten Hjulmand unleashed a spectacular long-range strike in the 34th minute, scoring his first international goal and bringing Denmark level. The equalizer was a testament to Denmark’s resilience and Hjulmand’s ability to seize the moment.
Second Half: Tactical Shifts and Missed Opportunities
The second half of the Denmark vs England encounter began with Denmark creating the first chance, as Jonas Wind’s shot was blocked by the English defense. The Danes enjoyed spells of fluid possession, dictating the pace of the game and keeping England on their toes.
Despite Denmark’s control, England came closest to scoring again when Phil Foden’s powerful shot struck the post in the 56th minute. The woodwork denied England a crucial lead, and the game remained finely balanced.
Both coaches made strategic substitutions to try and tip the scales. Gareth Southgate introduced Ollie Watkins for Harry Kane, and the substitute nearly made an immediate impact, only to be denied by Kasper Schmeichel’s reflex save. At the other end, Andreas Christensen had a golden opportunity to secure a win for Denmark, but he fired over the bar from close range.
Vivo Player of the Match: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Denmark)
“He led the way in stats both defensively and offensively. He was also a big influence on his team as a leader, controlling the tempo of the game and reading situations well.”
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.
Line-ups | Denmark vs England
Denmark:
- Goalkeeper: Schmeichel
- Defenders: Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard
- Midfielders: Kristiansen (Bah 57), Hjulmand (Nørgaard 82), Højbjerg, Mæhle
- Forwards: Eriksen (Skov Olsen 82), Højlund (Poulsen 67), Wind (Damsgaard 57)
England:
- Goalkeeper: Pickford
- Defenders: Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Trippier
- Midfielders: Alexander-Arnold (Gallagher 54), Rice
- Forwards: Saka (Eze 70), Bellingham, Foden (Bowen 69), Kane (Watkins 69)
In-Depth Analysis of Denmark vs England
The Denmark vs England match demonstrated the tactical acumen and resilience of both teams. Denmark, known for their structured defense and quick transitions, managed to neutralize England’s attacking threats while creating opportunities of their own. England, on the other hand, showcased their ability to control possession and create scoring chances through quick, incisive play.
First Half: England’s Dominance and Denmark’s Resilience
The game began with a clear indication of Denmark’s intentions. Højbjerg’s early shot set the tone for a match that promised end-to-end action. However, England soon took control of the game, maintaining possession and probing the Danish defense.
Phil Foden’s curler in the 12th minute was a warning sign for Denmark. Six minutes later, Harry Kane demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess, capitalizing on a diverted cross to give England the lead. Kane’s goal was a result of England’s relentless pressure and precise passing.
Denmark, refusing to be subdued, gradually increased their intensity. Morten Hjulmand’s long-range strike in the 34th minute was a moment of brilliance, showcasing his ability to deliver when it mattered most. The equalizer was a pivotal moment in the Denmark vs England match, highlighting Denmark’s capacity to respond under pressure.
Second Half: Tactical Adjustments and Near Misses
The second half saw Denmark taking the initiative. Jonas Wind’s blocked shot early in the half indicated Denmark’s intent to go for the win. The Danish midfield, led by Højbjerg, controlled the tempo, making it difficult for England to find their rhythm.
England, despite being on the back foot, created the most dangerous opportunity of the half. Phil Foden’s shot hitting the post was a reminder of England’s ability to strike quickly and decisively. The near miss kept the match balanced and underscored the fine margins in the Denmark vs England encounter.
Gareth Southgate’s substitutions aimed to inject fresh energy into the English attack. Ollie Watkins, brought on for Harry Kane, nearly made an instant impact but was thwarted by Schmeichel’s excellent save. The Danish goalkeeper’s performance was crucial in preserving the draw for Denmark.
Andreas Christensen’s missed chance towards the end of the match was another significant moment. The Denmark vs England match could have been decided had Christensen converted from close range, but his miss ensured that the points were shared.
Post-Match Reactions
Denmark
Denmark’s coach, Kasper Hjulmand, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. “We showed great character and resilience to come back against a strong England side. Morten’s goal was outstanding, and our defense held firm. There are many positives to take from this match,” he said.
Morten Hjulmand, the goal scorer, reflected on his stunning strike. “Scoring my first international goal in such a crucial match is a dream come true. I saw the opportunity and took it. We played well as a team, and I’m proud of our performance,” he commented.
England
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, acknowledged the tough contest. “The Denmark vs England match was a hard-fought battle. We started well and took the lead, but Denmark responded strongly. There are areas we need to improve, but I’m pleased with the effort and determination shown by the team,” he noted.
Harry Kane, who opened the scoring, emphasized the importance of learning from the match. “It’s always disappointing not to win, especially after taking the lead. However, Denmark is a strong team, and they made it difficult for us. We need to build on this and prepare for the next challenge,” he remarked.
Tactical Analysis | Denmark vs England
Denmark’s Strategy
Denmark’s approach in the Denmark vs England match was characterized by a solid defensive setup and quick transitions. Kasper Hjulmand set up his team to absorb pressure and exploit the spaces left by England. The Danish midfield, led by Højbjerg and Hjulmand, provided a strong shield for the defense while also initiating attacks.
Denmark’s wing-backs, Kristiansen and Mæhle, played crucial roles in both defense and attack, adding width to Denmark’s play and stretching England’s defense. The forward pairing of Højlund and Wind posed a constant threat, with their movement and link-up play creating opportunities for Denmark.
England’s Approach
England, under Gareth Southgate, adopted a possession-based approach, looking to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities through quick, precise passing. The midfield trio of Alexander-Arnold, Rice, and Bellingham provided the necessary balance between defense and attack, with Alexander-Arnold’s playmaking abilities adding creativity.
The forward line, featuring Saka, Foden, and Kane, was designed to stretch Denmark’s defense and create spaces for quick attacks. Despite their dominance in possession, England found it challenging to break down Denmark’s organized defense.
Southgate’s substitutions aimed to maintain the attacking threat while adding fresh legs to the midfield and forward lines. The introduction of Gallagher, Eze, and Bowen highlighted Southgate’s intent to go for the win, but Denmark’s resilient defense held firm.
Conclusion | Denmark vs England
The Denmark vs England match at EURO 2024 showcased the best of European football, with both teams demonstrating resilience and tactical acumen. Harry Kane and Morten Hjulmand’s goals encapsulated the competitive spirit, ensuring an enthralling spectacle for fans worldwide. As the tournament progresses, Denmark and England will seek to build on this result, aiming to advance in Group C and make an impact on the European stage.