England will be hoping for an improved performance but the same outcome to their Euro 2024 opener when they face Denmark. The Three Lions edged past Serbia in nervy fashion after a commanding opening half hour, which saw them score the only goal of the contest through Jude Bellingham 's diving header. Denmark pose a distinctly different threat to Gareth Southgate’s side as they place technicality over physicality although, similar to the Serbs, most of their starting XI are six-foot-plus.
They like to keep the ball – as evidenced by the 68 per cent possession in their 1-1 draw with Slovenia – and boast the quality to progress and play through the lines quickly. England will again be strong favourites, but here at talkSPORT, we’ve picked out three key battles that could swing the balance, which our very own Adrian Durham has run the rule over. Bukayo Saka got the assist for Bellingham’s goal against Serbia but was kept quiet for large sections of the game.
The Denmark match presents the perfect opportunity for Saka to kick on and really bring his Euro 2024 to life. He’ll be up against two Leicester City defenders in the form of left-wing-back Victor Kristiansen and centre-back Jannik Vestergaard . The Danes typically operate with a back three, with Vestergaard on the left, and his severe lack of pace could easily be exploited by Saka running at him.
“Saka vs Vestergaard should be a mismatch. He’ll need help from his wing-back, Kristiansen, if they’re going to.
