England vs Denmark Preview

When England and Denmark meet in Group C of Euro 2024, fans can expect a tense, tactical battle between two sides who know each other all too well. England, tournament favourites and semi-finalists three years ago, will look to build on their opening win and continue their push toward the knockout stages. Denmark, always well-drilled and spirited, will aim to upset the odds and reignite their campaign after a frustrating start. This one promises to be one of the most finely balanced fixtures of the group phase.
Team News & Key Players
England
England come into this match following a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Serbia in their opening game. Gareth Southgate’s side showed their familiar defensive solidity, but will want a more fluent attacking performance this time around.
Harry Kane will again lead the line, supported by the creative brilliance of Jude Bellingham,who scored the decisive goal in the opener,alongside Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka. Trent Alexander-Arnold partnered Declan Rice in midfield against Serbia, but there have been calls for a more natural midfielder like Kobbie Mainoo or Conor Gallagher to come in.
Defensively, John Stones and Marc Guéhi formed a strong pairing, while Jordan Pickford remains an ever-reliable presence in goal. Expect Southgate to make minimal changes, though tactical flexibility could be key against Denmark’s high pressing and wing play.
Denmark
Kasper Hjulmand’s Denmark began their campaign with a 1–1 draw against Slovenia. Christian Eriksen, the heartbeat of the side, was at the centre of everything creative, scoring Denmark’s goal and dictating play from midfield.
Up front, Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund will again lead the line, supported by Jonas Wind or Mikkel Damsgaard. The Danes’ backline, marshalled by experienced figures such as Simon Kjær and Joachim Andersen, is robust, while Joakim Mæhle provides an attacking outlet from wing-back.
Denmark are tactically disciplined and will likely look to frustrate England before exploiting transitions and set pieces, areas where Eriksen’s precision could make the difference.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head
England’s form leading into the tournament has been steady, if unspectacular. They topped their qualification group and have developed a knack for managing tight games, conceding very few goals. Their issue, at times, has been turning dominance into clear chances.
Denmark have been less consistent. They qualified from a relatively straightforward group but occasionally struggled to break down defensive opponents. Still, their resilience and tactical cohesion make them a dangerous side on any day.
In recent head-to-heads, England have had the upper hand. The last major meeting came in the Euro 2020 semi-final, when England won 2–1 after extra time. Denmark, however, famously beat England 1–0 at Wembley in the Nations League in 2020, proving they can unsettle the Three Lions.
Odds
Bookmakers have England as favourites, with odds roughly around 4/6 for a win. Denmark are priced longer, around 5/1, with the draw sitting near 13/5. Most expect a tight, low-scoring affair, underscoring both sides’ organised defensive shapes.
England’s depth and attacking quality should give them the edge, but Denmark’s structure and experience could frustrate them for long stretches. Expect England to control possession, while Denmark look to spring counters and rely on set pieces.
Prediction
Prediction: England 2–1 Denmark
Bellingham and Kane are both likely goal threats for England, while Eriksen remains Denmark’s best hope of creating something special. England’s superior finishing and bench options may ultimately prove decisive.
