Euro 2024: Denmark vs England: Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

Denmark takes on England in the biggest game of Group C as a potential qualification is on offer for one of the pre-tournament favourites. Denmark opened their campaign with a draw against Slovenia, whereas England opened their campaign thanks to a 1-0 win over Serbia. A win for England will see them qualify for the round of 16.

Denmark showed in their opening game against Slovenia, that they can certainly progress the ball and play attacking football across the pitch. Christian Eriksen’s role in the Denmark team is pivotal to their chances for the game against England. Deployed further forward than his role at Manchester United, Eriksen was on hand to score the opening goal with a great two-touch goal against Slovenia.

The Danes will fancy their chances and hope Rasmus Hojlund's likes can contribute. The Manchester United striker scored 16 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford last season. England’s opening game against Serbia brought a familiar tale of the criticisms of Gareth Southgate. Jude Bellingham had given England the lead, though it was not a convincing performance from the Three Lions. Despite marginally shading the possession, Serbia recorded one more shot than Gareth Southgate’s side.

Gareth Southgate would need to address the midfield area from the Serbia game. England experimented in midfield ahead of this tournament and the main insight from the opening game is that at times England was too easily playable when in transition.

For our prediction, we still expect England to beat Denmark 2-1. The midfield area will be key and if England manages to limit Eriksen's creativity, they will overcome Denmark to qualify.

Denmark 1-2 England

Denmark takes on England in Frankfurt with England looking to become one of the first teams to qualify for the round of 16. Following the opening results for both teams, the path to the round of 16 is looking clearer for both teams. If England draw, it will more than likely guarantee them a third-placed finish at best.

• Kick-Off: 5 PM
• Location: Deutsche Bank Park
• Date: 20/06/2024

Denmark has a better history in the European Championships than the pre-tournament favourites in England. The Danes have competed in nine European Championships – with this summer now marking the tenth appearance in the tournament. Denmark has now played 34 games at the European Championships, having won ten, drawn eight and losing 15.

Denmark is the only team in this group to have won a European Championship. In 1992, the Danes completed one of the more successful underdog stories in international football when they beat Germany 2-0 in Sweden to capture their first and only international trophy.

England, on the other hand, are competing in their 11th European Championship, having competed in ten previously. Famously, the Three Lions failed to qualify for the European Championships in 2008. England and Gareth Southgate will be hoping to go one better this tournament as they, unfortunately, suffered defeat in the final of Euro 2020 at the hands of Italy. This was England’s first major final since the World Cup triumph of 1966.

The two sides last met at the previous European Championships in the semi-final where England beat Denmark 2-1 thanks to an extra-time goal from captain Harry Kane.

Denmark

Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand is unlikely to rotate for the second group game against England. Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund is expected to lead the line, however, expect more involvement from RB Leipzig forward Yussuf Poulsen.

England

Gareth Southgate could experiment with the midfield options. It is expected that for certain games, Southgate may look to utilise midfield options such as Conor Gallagher and Kobbie Mainoo ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Luke Shaw could feature in England’s second group game. The Manchester United full-back was a risky call from Gareth Southgate because of his fitness issues, although he did feature on the bench in the opening game against Serbia.

Denmark was superb in their qualifying campaign for the tournament. The Danes finished top of their qualifying group – interestingly level on points with Slovenia who they drew with in the opening game of the European Championships. Denmark finished level on points with Slovenia, with an inferior goal difference, however the group was decided on head-to-head results between the two sides.

Following the opening game draw against Slovenia, Denmark’s form heading into this important group game with England is considerably good. Denmark is unbeaten in their last five international games – having won three and drawn two in those five games. Their last win at a major tournament was the 2-1 win over the Czech Republic at Euro 2020.

In their previous group game as mentioned, they were held to a 1-1 draw deservedly by Slovenia. Denmark was the better team in the first half and grabbed their goal through Christian Eriksen who controlled well to slot the ball into the bottom left corner. Denmark’s mentality dropped in the second half, as Slovenia equalised through a deflected effort from range by Erik Janza.

England were brilliant through qualifying as the record shows as Gareth Southgate’s men remained unbeaten during that time. England played eight games – winning six and drawing two – in a group consisting of current European Champions Italy. England obtained 20 points from a possible 24 and only conceded four goals in six qualifying games.

Following the opening game victory over Serbia, England’s form on the record has now slightly improved from what it had previously been. England’s form in general is average, having only won twice in their last five international games, which included a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Iceland. England have now made it consecutive tournaments where they have won the opening game, following the victory over Serbia.

As mentioned, England got off to the perfect start in terms of a result against Serbia and now they sit two points clear of Denmark and Slovenia heading into the second group game. England took the lead with the only goal of the game in the 13th minute, thanks to a brilliant header by Jude Bellingham assisted by Bukayo Saka. Whilst England recorded the perfect start, their performance was less than desirable.

Following his goal against Serbia, Jude Bellingham has now made it consecutive tournaments where he has scored in the opening game. The previous goal took place against Iran at the opening game for England in the World Cup of 2022.

The game will be shown live on BBC One and the BBC Sport app which can be found on any multimedia device.

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