Frankfurt, Germany: England failed to guarantee their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024 after Morten Hjulmand's spectacular strike earned Denmark a 1-1 draw on Thursday. A point was the least the Danes deserved as England again flattered to deceive in Frankfurt after an underwhelming 1-0 win over Serbia to open their tournament. Harry Kane had given the Three Lions an early lead as England pounced on a Danish defensive error.
Hjulmand's rocket from outside the box levelled before half-time and Denmark were left to rue missing late chances to secure a famous victory. England remain on top of Group C, two points clear of Slovenia, who they face in Cologne on Tuesday, and Denmark. Serbia's late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Slovenia earlier on Thursday also keeps their destiny in their own hands.
England boss Gareth Southgate said on Wednesday that he avoids media coverage during tournaments to escape negative stories. But will be braced for more criticism after another flat display from one of the pre-tournament favourites. Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel claimed on the eve of the game they would not be fuelled by revenge for their Euro 2020 semi-final heartbreak to England three years ago.
However, the Danes were a different beast from the side that disappointed at the 2022 World Cup and in drawing against Slovenia to open their tournament in Germany. Denmark had made the brighter start as both sides struggled to cope with a bobbly pitch i.