England play their fifth game of Euro 2020 at Wembley stadium enjoying home comfort, while the Danish Dynamite come into the clash hoping to replicate their greatest achievement in football, claiming the 1992 European Championship.
We’re set up for an enthralling contest of cup football where every ball will be intensely fought for in a cagey affair between two sides firmly positioned in the top 10 of the latest FIFA rankings.
Euro 2020 – Semi-final
Wednesday 7 July
Wembley Stadium
21:00
To Win (90 min)
England 7/10
Draw 5/2
Denmark 46/10
To Qualify
England 3/10
Denmark 22/10
England
The Three Lions have been hungry for success on the international stage for many years. They have produced the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard providing arguably more quality in the England ranks in years gone by, however, this squad predominantly made up of promising future stars are just two positives results away from ‘bringing it home’.
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 shutout every team at the tournament, Gareth Southgate’s men have impressively kept nine clean sheets in their last 10 games.
The crowd can also impact negatively, understandably if faced with adversity, the home support which has not tasted defeat or even conceded a goal in such a long time may panic and it could relay onto the players and coaching staff.
During Euro ’96 the game plan was simply, ‘get the ball to Gazza’. In this camp, my suggestion would be to stick with the same type of approach. The rock-solid and robust midfield of Kalvin Phillips & Declan Rice shielding England’s defence makes it near impenetrable to break down, while the goal threat comes from spearhead Harry Kane.
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 fairy tale, they’ll have to nullify the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner.
Denmark
Denmark was written off by many after the unfortunate incident concerning their talisman Christian Eriksen needing emergency medical assistance in their opening game against Finland.
The ‘Danish Dynamite’ 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 Dolberg 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 brave 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 the cards.
England haven’t 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 37/10.
Written by Bryan Naicker