Lacklustre England held by Denmark at Euro 2024

Gareth Southgate acknowledged England must improve if they are to win Euro 2024 after failing to guarantee their place in the knockout stages with a 1-1 draw against Denmark 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 […]

Gareth Southgate acknowledged England must improve if they are to win Euro 2024 after failing to guarantee their place in the knockout stages with a 1-1 draw against Denmark 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.

Morten Hjulmand’s rocket from outside the box levelled before halftime and Denmark were left to rue missing late chances to secure a famous victory.

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“There’s a huge amount of work to do, that’s evident from the two performances we have given – clearly it was not what we would’ve hoped for,” said Southgate.

“We understand people will be disappointed with the performances and rightly so. We have to make them a lot better.”

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 only need a point to secure qualification and would win the group with victory in their final game of the section.

Southgate said on Wednesday that he avoids media coverage during tournaments to escape negative stories.

But he accepted more criticism will come after another flat display from one of the pre-tournament favourites.