England play their fifth game of Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium when they face Denmark in the competition's second semi-final.
England vs Denmark
Wednesday 7 July
Wembley Stadium
To Win Match (90 min)
England 7/10
Draw 5/2
Denmark 46/10
England
The Three Lions have been hungry for success on the international stage for many years. While they have boasted teams containing the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the past, this current generation of players are predominantly made up of up and coming stars.
Italy boss Roberto Mancini brought up an interesting factor prior to their high-stakes clash with Spain, claiming it’s unfair that only home fans will attend the semi-finals and final at Wembley. England have shut out every team at the tournament, Gareth Southgate’s men have impressively kept nine clean sheets in their last 10 games.
Raheem Sterling’s finishing has been clinical when called upon, scoring three goals, raising the crowd to their feet, filling them with joy each time, although, personally I believe Kane is the man who could single-handedly turn a match on its head.
If Denmark are to continue their fairytale, they’ll have to nullify the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner.
Denmark
Denmark were written off by many after the unfortunate incident concerning their talisman Christian Eriksen needing emergency medical assistance in their opening game against Finland.
The Danes have since been labelled as underdogs, and wrongfully so in my opinion. Yes, Kasper Hjulmand’s troops would’ve definitely adjusted their approach without playmaker Eriksen, however, being the 10th best team in the latest FIFA rankings isn’t handed to you.
The Danes have been working incredibly hard as a no-nonsense workmanlike unit that give nothing away to the opponent, who hit the opposition on the break with quality forwards, while the Eriksen incident has galvanized the team and nation that could be enough to inspire them to a famous victory over England at Wembley.
Luck always has a big part to play in these tournaments, if it goes down to penalties, the Danes will fancy their chances with Kasper Schmeichel between the sticks. His defence of Premier League compatriots Andreas Christensen, Jannik Vestergaard and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in central midfield know the English players very well, adding some extra spice to the contest.
Kasper Dolberg has led line for Denmark with Mikkel Damsgaard and Martin Braithwaite utilising their pace on the flanks. The former Ajax striker is expected to retain his position in the starting XI, however, with Yussuf Poulsen returning to full fitness, he should play the full match instead of the cameo role in the previous match against Czech Republic.
Atalanta defender Joakim Maehle is the one to watch for me, his overlapping runs from right-back are a serious threat when afforded space. Sterling has been in excellent form, keep an eye on the one-vs-one duel with Maehle.
Prediction: England Win & Both Team to Score (Yes) 37/10
England have enough quality to completely play Denmark off the field, however, with this being a crucial semi-final clash and considering that ultra-defensive manager Southgate is, a closely fought and cagey encounter is on the cards.
England have conceded in the tournament but Denmark have only failed to score once (vs Finland) in 10 matches. I suggest having a punt on England Win & Both Team to Score (Yes) at 36/10.
