Prediction: Denmark vs England

Verdict: England win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Knowing that they can officially book their knockout stage ticket on Thursday evening, England will travel to Frankfurt when they meet Denmark.

Denmark

Starting with Denmark, suffering what was a second-half collapse against Slovenia last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a sluggish 1-1 stalemate in Stuttgart, the Danes will be seeking a more polished performance here. However, although Kasper Hjulmand’s men might have a real battle on their hands in the race to book a knockout stage ticket over the next week, they have continued to impress since their World Cup exit out in Qatar 18 months ago. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a 3-1 victory against historic rivals Norway, Denmark have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 13 consecutive appearances across all competitions. Although the Danish Dynamite might be seeking some recent defensive resolve, they could be confident about causing England a few issues in Frankfurt on Thursday evening.

Team News

Bagging what was an emotional strike against Slovenia last weekend and now finding the net in two of his previous three International appearances, Manchester United star Christian Eriksen will play a leading role for Denmark here. Likewise, enjoying a breakout campaign at Old Trafford last season and notching 10 Premier League goals, 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund will spearhead Hjulmand’s attack in Frankfurt.

Despite continued speculation surrounding a potential summer move away from Tottenham, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will start at the heart of Denmark’s midfield in midweek and earn a 79th international cap.

England

As for England, while the Three Lions might have opened their respective EURO 24 adventure with a gritty 1-0 victory against Serbia last weekend, Gareth Southgate’s men flattered to deceive on the grandest of stages. Just about dragging themselves over the finishing line, the European giants will know the importance of putting in a better account of themselves on Thursday evening. Nevertheless, while Southgate’s camp might still be pencilled in as a leading contender to get their hands on a first piece of international silverware since their World Cup success way back in 1966, they are seeking some recent stability. Signing off their pre-EURO 24 preparations with an infamous 1-0 loss at home against Iceland, England have managed to muster just a pair of victories from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.

Team News

Opening his EURO 24 account with a match-winning strike against Serbia last weekend, there is no doubt that Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham will once again play a leading role on Thursday evening. With Harry Maguire not included in Southgate’s squad this month, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi will once again parter Manchester City defender John Stones at the back.

While West Ham ace Jarrod Bowen might have put in a hugely impressive performance off the bench against Serbia on Sunday night, the one-time Hull City starlet will likely have to settle for another spot among Southgate’s substitutes.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Denmark and England met in the delayed EURO 20 semi-finals three years ago, the Three Lions picked up a 2-1 victory at Wembley.
• England have lost just one of their previous five meetings against Denmark across all competitions.
• Despite clinging to a 1-0 victory against Serbia last weekend, England have recorded just two wins from any of their previous six appearances.
• The Danes have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 13 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
• The Three Lions have failed to bag more than a single strike in four of their last six outings.

Conclusion

Eventually clinging to a 1-0 victory against Serbia last weekend, England will be desperate to put in a far more polished performance on Thursday evening. Although Southgate’s men might still have the feel of a squad seeking some recent stability, they are still pencilled in as one of the standout contenders this summer. Snatching a nail-biting 2-1 victory when they last met Denmark on the major tournament stage at Wembley three years ago, we are expecting England to once again drag themselves over the finishing line in Frankfurt.

Verdict: England win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster