England missed an opportunity to secure their place as Group C winners in Euro 2024 after a lackluster 1-1 draw against Denmark in Frankfurt. Despite this setback, their unbeaten record in the tournament makes their progression to the round of 16 all but certain.
Harry Kane provided an early lead for England in the 18th minute, but their performance deteriorated as the match progressed. Manager Gareth Southgate expressed frustration with his team’s mistakes, particularly in defense, which allowed Denmark to equalize through Morten Hjulmand’s powerful strike in the 34th minute.
Southgate, visibly displeased with his team’s performance, acknowledged responsibility, stating, “The team didn’t function today, that is my responsibility.” This sentiment was echoed by fans who voiced their disappointment during a ragged second half.
Despite England’s recent tournament successes, including a Euro 2020 final appearance and strong showings in World Cups, their tendency to underperform in subsequent games after opening victories continues to haunt them. This trend persisted with a tepid draw against Denmark following their narrow win over Serbia earlier in the tournament.
Reflecting on the match, Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand remarked, “There is a result we could have gotten,” highlighting missed opportunities for his team.
England currently leads Group C with four points after defeating Serbia and drawing with Denmark. Their position atop the group ensures advancement in the expanded 24-team Euros format, where even a third-place finish may be sufficient to progress.
Looking ahead, England’s final group-stage match against Slovenia will determine their seeding going into the knockout stages. Southgate’s side will need to address their performance issues quickly to maintain momentum in the tournament.
The match in Frankfurt was played under challenging conditions, with steady rain affecting the slippery turf beneath the closed stadium roof. Despite royal spectators, including the King of Denmark and future King of England, the English squad failed to capitalize on their star-studded lineup from top clubs and the Champions League.
Southgate emphasized the need to overcome challenges, stating, “To achieve extraordinary things you have got to go through some difficult moments,” hinting at the team’s resilience despite Thursday’s disappointments.
