England missed the chance to secure their place in the EURO2024 knockout stage, drawing 1-1 against Denmark in a disappointing performance at Frankfurt’s Waldstadion.
Harry Kane’s early opener was cancelled out within twenty minutes by Morten Hjulmand’s strike, before a frustrating second half in which neither side could find a breakthrough.
Here are five key takeaways from the match.
England’s midfield experiment fails
Gareth Southgate’s decision to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield backfired spectacularly. The Liverpool right-back, known for his attacking prowess, looked uncomfortable and out of place in the midfield role.
His usual precision in passing was missing, and he struggled defensively. Substituted after 53 minutes, it’s clear this experiment needs rethinking. Conor Gallagher, who replaced him, brought some stability, indicating that Southgate might need to revert to more traditional midfield options in future games.
Harry Kane’s goal overshadowed by tactical retreat
Harry Kane’s early strike earned earned him the impressive accolade of having scored in four consecutive major tournaments – showcasing his continued reliability in front of goal. However, this bright moment was overshadowed by England’s frustrating choice to sit back after scoring.
This tactical retreat allowed Denmark to dominate possession and eventually equalise through Morten Hjulmand’s stunning strike, much to fans’ dismay. England’s inability to maintain intensity and control after taking the lead remains a critical issue that Southgate must address.
Defensive concerns persist
Marc Guéhi was one of the few positives in England’s backline, delivering a solid performance despite the overall defensive disarray. However, the central partnership of Declan Rice and Alexander-Arnold in front of the defence looked disjointed, allowing Denmark too much space.
Christian Eriksen’s control in midfield highlighted England’s vulnerabilities, and Guéhi’s late mistake nearly cost England further. Southgate needs to solidify his defensive strategies if England are to progress further in the tournament.
Fitness and energy levels worrying
A big worry for fans is that, at only their second match of a potential seven, England looked lethargic throughout. Jude Bellingham, who was the star against Serbia, seemed off the boil and unable to influence the game. Harry Kane also appeared one-paced, reflecting the team’s overall physical conditioning issues.
This lack of intensity is concerning, especially as the tournament progresses. It will spark questions over whether Southgate should rotate players to ensure they remain fresh for crucial knockout matches.
Fans frustrated as England’s strategy remains uncertain
The loud jeers from England fans in Frankfurt highlighted their frustration with the team’s performance, which sometimes gave the impression of a team without a plan. Southgate’s uncharacteristically early substitutions showed his own desperation to change the game’s course. The introduction of Ollie Watkins, Jarrod Bowen, and Eberechi Eze brought some attacking threat but wasn’t enough to secure a win.
The tactical uncertainty, especially regarding Phil Foden’s role and the best use of Kane, needs urgent resolution as Southgate grapples with how to squeeze England’s talent into one lineup. Difficulties in the midfield meant England’s build-up play was often too slow, and their second-ball recovery was poor.
England remain top of Group C, but their performance against Denmark leaves much to be desired. The midfield experiment with Alexander-Arnold failed, defensive frailties were exposed, and the team’s overall lack of energy is a major concern. Southgate faces significant challenges as he prepares his squad for the final group game against Slovenia.
To make a serious impact at EURO2024, England must find solutions to their formation and selection dilemmas quickly and raise their performance levels across the board.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as EURO2024 unfolds, here on FromTheSpot.
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