Brentford manager Thomas Frank has issued a warning to England about the mindset of the Denmark national team ahead of their Euro 2024 meeting. The Three Lions will face Denmark on Thursday, June 20, in their second Group C match at the tournament after an opening day win over Serbia.
England and Denmark are set to renew hostilities in Group C, having previously faced each other in Euro 2020. The Danes enjoyed a brilliant tournament, but bowed out in the semi-finals in contentious fashion at the hands of the Three Lions.
Gareth Southgate's side were awarded a controversial penalty in extra-time after Raheem Sterling was adjudged to have been fouled. Harry Kane scored to send his country to the final at Wembley, sparking a great deal of ire among the Danes.
Danish tactician Thomas Frank is on punditry duties with the BBC this summer, and he claimed that Kasper Hjulmand's team will be motivated for the game because of the result in Euro 2020. However, he did not discount the fact that England are among the favorites to win the tournament, and praised the quality of their squad.
"In Denmark, they will definitely remember that semi-final. And the penalty. Or the foul on Sterling for the penalty. Borderline, let's say it that way," Frank said (via Daily Mail).
"But of course England are the favourites. They are one of the favourites for the Euros and they have a very good squad. I think they have a very good chance to win it."
England overcame Serbia thanks to a lone Jude Bellingham strike in their opening day fixture, while Denmark played out a 1-1 draw against Slovenia. The Three Lions are firm favorites to claim all three points in the game on Thursday, as they look to seal a place in the next round.
Cesc Fabregas delivers opinion on England star after opening day performance
Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas gave his thoughts on the performance of England star Trent Alexander-Arnold in the game against Serbia. The Liverpool man started in midfield for the Three Lions, a largely unpopular choice given the depth of the squad's midfield options.
Fabregas spoke on BBC One about the 25-year-old's performance in the game in Gelsenkirchen. He expressed confidence that Alexander-Arnold will improve with more game time in a midfield role.
“I thought it was a mixed performance from Trent Alexander-Arnold. There were moments where he was superb but other times he was a bit complacent with the ball. He made a mistake that led to a chance for Aleksandar Mitrovic but he reacted and recovered well, showed good personality. The more he plays in the midfield the better he will become,” Fabregas said (via CaughtOffside).
Alexander-Arnold started ahead of the likes of Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher, and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, as opposed to his usual right-back position. He played alongside Declan Rice and Bellingham in the middle of the park, and may do so against Denmark as well.