Southgate: ‘These England nights bring everyone together’
England manager Gareth Southgate spoke about the privilege he feels when managing his side and bringing the nation together through the 4-0 victory against Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarter-final.
England vs Denmark: Line-ups
England
Denmark
One Step Closer to Home
#1
Having now gone seven games across all competitions without conceding a goal, a first-ever appearance at a Euros final will be England’s should their staunch defence produce the goods once more, and no team in history has navigated a Euros or World Cup campaign with six clean sheets to their name.
#2
Southgate’s struggles to get the best out of a bright attacking contingent have been well-documented, but England’s thrashing of Ukraine also represented their biggest ever margin of victory in a major tournament knockout match, which is just what the doctor ordered before their Nordic neighbours seek to spring another surprise.
#3
the last time that Denmark made it this far culminated in a fairytale ending during Euro 92 – their first and only triumph at the continental championships to date – and Hjulmand’s in-form attacking contingent have already notched up the most goals that their country has ever scored in a single major tournament.
#4
Whichever team progresses to the final over the course of the full 90, 120 or a penalty shootout will be rewarded with a final appearance versus Italy or Spain – two powerhouses that have dazzled and delighted all summer long – but as we have learned over the course of all major tournaments, form goes out of the window at this incredibly late stage.
#5
A penalty from none other than Eriksen propelled Denmark to victory over England in last year’s Nations League, and the Scandinavian side also managed to hold Southgate’s men to a goalless draw before that, meaning that we have a truly tantalising battle on our hands in front of a 60,000-strong Wembley crowd.
DPP Verdict
Underestimating a nation of Denmark’s calibre would almost certainly prove fatal for England, who must prepare for a gruelling evening of football against a side daring to dream just as much as they are. While we anticipate Southgate’s staunch defence finally being breached at Euro 2020 – as well as the Danes having enough energy in the tank to take the game to extra time – England’s attacking options off the bench ought to see them get over the line and bring football that one step closer to home.
