Euro 2020 Preview - Denmark

[Dave]

Denmark

The Danes are riding a wave of success at the moment and there is an optimism amongst this Danish team that we haven't seen for some time.

Road to Euro 2020
Denmark were unbeaten in qualifying to this tournament. They scored an impressive twenty-three goals in eight games which included three goals in four of their fixtures. The highlight for Denmark in qualification was coming back from behind to beat Switzerland by scoring three goals in nine minutes.

 

What to Expect
Kasper Hjulmund was appointed last summer and has been able to progress a team that focuses on its strengths going forward to ruthlessly and effectively finish games. The pace of Yousef Poulson and creativity of Christian Eriksen will be the most enjoyable aspects to watch of this Danish team and they'll both have a huge impact on any potential success Denmark have in this tournament.

Possible Lineup
De rod-hvide have experimented with various formations during their qualifying campaign but appear to be most settled on a 4-2-3-1 formation.

They have several players whose positions appear to be assured in the starting line up. Kasper Schmeichel's place in goal looks certain whilst Daniel Wass, Simon Kjaer and Thomas Christensen all appeared favoured to play ahead of him should they be fit. Jan Vestergaard would be likely to play should Denmark revert back to a defensive five.

The left back position appears to be more open for debate. Joakim Maehle has been the preferred during the World Cup Qualifiers and is therefore our most favoured to start. However Jens Stryger Larsen, Robert Skov and even Christian Eriksen have deputised at left back in recent times. Nicolai Boilesen is another intriguing option who could force himself in to contention.

If fit, it's likely that both Pierre Emile Hojberg and Thomas Delaney will be the two that Denmark rely on in the centre of midfield. Lasse Schone and Matias Jensen have performed well when called upon.

Christian Eriksen still remains an integral part of this Denmark side in the middle of an attacking three. Youseff Poulson has established himself as a regular in this side following his World Cup performances and Martin Braithwaite is regularly trusted on the left side of this midfield.

Upfront, Kasper Dolberg was the preferred striker in a 4-2-3-1 during the qualifiers for Euro 2021. However, Jonas Wind has featured more as the lone striker in the most recent World Cup Qualifiers and its unknown who is most favoured going in to this tournament. We believe Kasper Dolberg's previous form will be enough for him to the preferred option.

 

Key Player
Whilst for Inter Milan he's had to adapt to benefit Antonio Conte's preference of a midfield three, Christian Eriksen is still allowed the freedom to be an advanced creative focal point in the Denmark national team which is a role that has benefitted both parties for over ten years. During the qualification campaign he was Denmark's top goal scorer with five goals from eight games. If Denmark are to impress during this tournament, you can expect Christian Eriksen to have played a big role.

 

Predictions
Belgium are quite rightly the favourites to finish top of Group B, but it would be a big surprise to see Denmark not qualify for the knockout stages based on their form going in to this tournament. The Danes also know they are going to get three games on their own turf in Copenhagen which should act as an advantage against the lessee teams in this group. 

They could very well finish second and face Italy in the last sixteen, which may be a mountain too high to climb.

 

[Azeem]

Meh

[Ploughendplonker]

If I’ve worked it out correctly, Denmark have quite a decent draw. Assuming they finish second behind Belgium, their last sixteen + QF could be Turkey and Portugal, two very winnable encounters.