England missed their opportunity to secure early qualification and top spot in Group C, settling for a disappointing 1-1 draw against Denmark in Frankfurt.
Despite Harry Kane’s early goal, England’s performance lacked cohesion and creativity, allowing Denmark to dominate possession and ultimately equalize.
Denmark’s Resurgent Performance
Morten Hjulmand’s stunning 25-yard strike canceled out Kane’s opener, and Denmark continued to pose a threat throughout the match.
The Danes’ veteran playmaker Christian Eriksen orchestrated their midfield dominance, exposing England’s weaknesses in that area.
England’s Tactical Struggles and Missed Chances
Gareth Southgate’s decision to deploy Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield backfired, as the Liverpool right-back struggled to adapt to the role.
England’s midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Alexander-Arnold looked outmatched and disjointed, leaving even star player Jude Bellingham unable to exert his usual influence.
Despite Phil Foden hitting the post in the second half, England failed to regain control of the match, leading to an unusually early substitution for Alexander-Arnold.
Southgate’s frustration was evident as he made four substitutions with over 20 minutes remaining, a sign of the team’s lackluster display.
England fans voiced their displeasure with the team’s performance, with jeers echoing throughout the stadium. This lackluster display raises serious questions about England’s ability to progress deep into the tournament.
The midfield experiment with Alexander-Arnold seems likely to be abandoned, with Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, and Adam Wharton potential replacements.
While England remains atop Group C, this draw is a stark reminder that significant improvements are needed if they hope to make a serious impact at Euro 2024.
Their next match against Slovenia will be a crucial test of their ability to bounce back from this disappointing result.