Lacklustre England’s bid to progress to the knockout stage of Uefa Euro 2024 will go to a deciding group-stage game after the Three Lions laboured to a 1-1 draw against Denmark in Frankfurt.
Harry Kane put England in front with his first goal of the finals, converting from close range in the 18th minute after Kyle Walker dispossessed Victor Kristiansen and found the captain with an incisive cross.
England responded to moving ahead by playing noticeably deeper, and their increasing lack of control in midfield was punished when Morten Hjulmand collected Kristiansen’s pass and beat Jordan Pickford from long range with a low shot which zipped in via a post 11 minutes before the break.
“Advantage England!”
Harry Kane puts England in front from close range! 🥶
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— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 20, 2024
Phil Foden, who looked bright in the context of a toiling England showing but was later substituted along with Kane, went closest to restoring the lead when his 59th-minute shot hit a post.
England have four points and face Slovenia in their group-stage closer on Tuesday, when Denmark, who have two points, take on Serbia.
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England v Denmark: Three Lions struggle
If England’s opening 1-0 win over Serbia had been seen as a job professionally done, there will be more legitimate questions around their lack of spark on an evening when they could have won Group C.
As he had during England’s opening 1-0 win over Serbia, Trent Alexander-Arnold started in midfield in an unchanged side but the Liverpool playmaker was replaced during the second half.
Head coach Gareth Southgate’s selections are certain to be questioned following an underwhelming performance by a squad considered among the best at the tournament.
“The balance wasn’t right at all,” former England striker Alan Shearer told BBC Sport. “Trent and Declan Rice, to begin with, didn’t work.
“Conor Gallagher was brought on to bring some energy but they sat deep and had to soak up pressure. Even Bellingham was getting caught on the ball – it’s like, ‘come on, guys’. How many times were England players caught dallying on the ball?”
All square! What a strike from Morten Hjulmand!
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— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 20, 2024
England group standings
Denmark occasionally threatened a second, England newcomer Marc Guehi – who was again impressive – producing a fine recovery tackle to allow Alexander Bah to move in on goal.
England are top of the group by virtue of having a positive goal difference, while they are likely to go through as one of the best third-placed teams even if they suffer an upset defeat to Slovenia.
