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Denmark's Man Utd duo to spearhead Euro efforts after England halted fairytale

10 June 2024 , 06:00
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Denmark were beaten semi-finalists at Euro 2020
Denmark were beaten semi-finalists at Euro 2020

Rewind three years ago and Denmark were fuelled by emotion as they stood 90 minutes from the Euros final - only for England to end those hopes at Wembley.

Back at the last Euros the Danes - and the footballing world - endured near heartbreak when Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch in their opening game against Finland in Copenhagen. The playmaker, now at Manchester United, recovered and remains integral to their ambitions this summer.

Denmark took the lead in their semi-final clash with England at Wembley, owing to a sensational free-kick from young sensation Mikkel Damsgaard, but were eventually edged out.

Their latest prodigy is none other than Red Devils star Rasmus Hojlund, who became the most expensive Dane in history when he moved to Old Trafford last summer. He and Eriksen represent two different generations, separated by 11 years, but will need to combine if they want to emulate the iconic success of 1992.

Denmark will meet England on June 20 in Frankfurt in what is likely to be battle for top spot in Group C. If the Danes have one thing over the English, it is bragging rights having lifted The Henri Delaunay Trophy some 32 years ago.

World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow qhidquirqieeprwWorld Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow

Kasper Schmeichel, one of three players in the Denmark squad to have a century of caps, was all too happy to remind the Three Lions that Euros success has always evaded them. "Has it ever been home?" he claimed, in reference to the iconic anthem bellowed out by England fans, at the last Euros.

The runner-up of Group C is likely to face hosts Germany in the last 16 - an encounter Denmark and England will want to avoid. If the Scandinavians are to dodge that they'll need Hojlund to find the form he showed early in qualifying as the Danes topped their group.

The United man scored seven times in qualifying, including a hat-trick against Finland. Six of those strikes came during his Atalanta days though, which speaks to the difficulties he's had in front of goal since moving to Manchester.

Denmark's Man Utd duo to spearhead Euro efforts after England halted fairytaleThe Danes will need Rasmus Hojlund to fire if they are to go deep in the tournament

It was well documented that he needed until Boxing Day to score his first Premier League goal despite debuting in September. If he is to lean on anyone though it may well be United colleague Eriksen, who showed that class remains permanent with a stellar strike in a win over Sweden this week as his country warmed up for their opener against Slovenia on Sunday.

That win was needed following a qualifying campaign that flattered to deceive at times. Results covered up for performances as Denmark desperately attempt to recapture the form from the last edition of the Euros.

A 3-2 loss against Kazakstan, when they'd led 2-0, was less than impressive and a 2-1 win over San Marino will have felt like a defeat.

Jonas Wind, who plays his football in Germany with Wolfsburg, has been unearthed as another potential gem. He's scored regularly and doubled up as a strong supporting act with Hojlund in the frontline.

Denmark's Man Utd duo to spearhead Euro efforts after England halted fairytaleChristian Eriksen helped see off Sweden in a recent friendly as he continues to prove hugely influential

Manager Kasper Hjulmand retains the faith of the Danish FA, who've tied him to a deal which will see him through to the World Cup in two years. The 52-year-old has been prepared to rotate and shuffle between formations in a bid to find a winning formula.

England fans know plenty about debate when it comes to national selection, but Hjulmand is all for it. He said: "It is great that there are different opinions and discussions around the national team. Just imagine if everyone was agreeing – that would be incredibly dull.”

One thing Denmark are is a team well built to play tournament football, which is a skill in itself. All the components are there. A solid defence, featuring Simon Kjaer and Andreas Christensen, a bit of midfield bite offered by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, flair from Eriksen and a potent edge that they hope Hojlund and Wind can provide.

Marcus Rashford makes tongue-in-cheek joke after being dropped by Erik ten HagMarcus Rashford makes tongue-in-cheek joke after being dropped by Erik ten Hag

Another group-stage exit, like the one suffered at the World Cup, will be seen as a disappointment and England will do well not to take them lightly.

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Samuel Meade

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