Sports
England Stumbles Against Denmark in Euro 2024 Group Stage
(CTN News) – England squandered the opportunity to go to the Euro 2024 knockout stages as Group C winners, only managing a draw against Denmark in Frankfurt.
Gareth Southgate’s team would have headed Group C with a win following the earlier draw between Slovenia and Serbia, but they were eventually happy for a point despite a disorganised, shambolic display.
Harry Kane scored in his fourth major event in a row to give England an 18th-minute lead, but as has been the case under manager Southgate, this signalled England’s retreat into their shell, allowing Danish dominance.
Denmark earned an equalizer when Morten Hjulmand scored from 25 yards out after 34 minutes.
Phil Foden hit the post after the break, and while England remains at the top of their group, they must make significant improvements against Slovenia.
As a test for future Euro 2024 winners, this was a terrible failure.
Manager Southgate, who is not known for making hurried or foolish changes, made four substitutes with more than 20 minutes remaining, putting England’s terrible performance into context.
England fans inside Frankfurt Arena also expressed their displeasure, with three bursts of loud jeering before the final whistle and a nasty send-off at the end.
It has been a long time since England appeared as disorganised as they did here, particularly in midfield, when they were outpassed for lengthy stretches by Denmark, with veteran Christian Eriksen pulling the strings.
Declan Rice and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s core combination appeared uncomfortable and out of sync. This, probably, will be the final time it is utilized.
Jude Bellingham, England’s great talisman and match-winner versus Serbia, could not save them this time, as he too appeared tired and unable to exert any effect as they labored hard.
England’s players were frequently spotted grumbling about the condition of the playing field, which did tear up early on, but there can be no cheap excuses when they perform as poorly as this.
Once again, a goal depressed rather than energized England, leaving them overwhelmed and prone to far too many errors all over the pitch.
The old, irritating habit of retreating after making progress returned. Serbia were not good enough to take advantage in England’s first game but Denmark were not passing up the invitation.
It was surprising to see Kane replaced after 69 minutes as England sought a winner, especially as Foden, who was also changed, had been the most dangerous player on Southgate’s team.
The extent of Southgate’s rearrangement summarised England’s attempts. They are still competing in Euro 2024, but even the most hopeful fan inside the Frankfurt Arena would admit this was far from the standard required to make a significant impression in Germany.
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