The second game of the group stages is upon us as The Three Lions take on Euro 2020 semi finalists Denmark on Thursday evening just days after our 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday.
Sunday night was a narrow 1-0 win over Serbia where the opposition was at us throughout the second half and was kind of lucky to win the game and get all three points on the table that could take us a step closer to the Last 16.
The game against Denmark is the toughest opponent in our group and we need to be at our best on Thursday in order for us to beat them and qualify for the knockout stages. Denmark drew their opening game 1-1 to Slovenia and a win against them would make sure Denmark do not catch us and we could win the group if Serbia draw to Slovenia on Thursday. As you know, it is the second game of the group stages and our record at this stage means we have not won our second game of the group with Gareth Southgate in charge of the Three Lions.
England’s Second Group Stage game under Gareth Southgate:
World Cup 2018: Belgium 1-0 L
Euro 2020: Scotland 0-0 D
World Cup 2022: USA 0-0 D
The last 3 games we lost to Belgium 1-0 at the World Cup in 2018 that made us finish second in the group where at the time was a better route for us to get to The World Cup final where we eventually lost to Croatia 2-1 in the semi finals after extra time. Euro 2020 in our second game was a poor game against Scotland where neither side couldn’t find the goal that made us finish level at 0-0 but we made it all the way to the final and got beaten by penalties to Italy at the end. The World Cup 2022 was the same against the USA a game which we should of won but drew 0-0 to the Americans and made it to the Quarter Final stage against World Cup finalists France where we lost 2-1.
Lets hope The Three Lions can break the hoodoo and win our second game of the tournament with Gareth Southgate in charge.
Player to Watch – Denmark
Christian Eriksen is going to be my player to watch for Denmark as he is one of the best players in the Danish side and got the only goal for his national side on Sunday against Slovenia and would be the one to watch out for on Thursday.
Eriksen is one of the experienced players in the squad with plenty of international caps and experience under his belt. His leadership is valuable to the team. He could be at the top of his game and England would be the game where he would be up for it where his influence can be substantial, his ability to control the game and make key passes and could get a goal that could make a threat to our defenders.
He has played in numerous high-stakes matches throughout his career, including World Cup and European Championship games. His composure and experience in such situations can help Denmark manage the pressure and perform at their best.
Player to Watch – England
Player to watch was Jude Bellingham against Serbia this time I’m going for Bukayo Saka I say his pace around the wing would help us try and defeat Denmark. He has also had his best season at Arsenal with 16 goals and 9 assists.
Despite his missing penalty at Euro 2020 in the final, he has come a long way and has been one of the best players in the Premier League for Arsenal in recent seasons and still 22 years of age he has got more to give in a England and Arsenal shirt and I think this could be the tournament for him where he could make a name of himself and reclaim himself after his penalty miss to Italy.
In this game I think he could get a goal or two or provide an assist to either Jude Bellingham or Harry Kane.
My Line Up V Denmark
I would make 1 change for the game against Denmark where Conor Gallagher would be replaced by Trent Alexander Arnold in midfield. I carry on playing Kyle Walker and Kieran Tripper in full backs with Saka, Foden and Bellingham play in attack behind Harry Kane.
Predictions V Denmark
Predictions against Denmark is tough like any other game I did say we win 3-1 against Serbia and I was right about the win where we just won 1-0. Now it is Denmark and I would say first 40 minutes it remain goalless where Denmark would try and create chances but cannot find the opening like how Serbia did on Sunday.
I say just before half-time England would break the deadlock with Jude Bellingham finding the opening goal to make it 1-0. In the second half, it won’t last long as Denmark would equalize with Jonas Wind making the tie level.
I say throughout the second half it be like the first half where both teams cannot get the winner and I think it would finish 1-1 where the Three Lions would draw another 2nd game of a major tournament.
Prediction: England 1-1 Denmark
Goalscorer for England: Jude Bellingham
Goalscorer for Denmark: Jonas Wind
I’m going for a 1-1 draw on Thursday evening where it would take us to 4 points and we would still be top of the group and could be enough to qualify for the Last 16 regardless of what happens. I think it would go to the last game on who tops the group or who would qualify for the next stage.
Lets see how it unfolds on Thursday and hope my prediction is wrong and hope the Three Lions get the win to help us qualify for the Last 16 or win the group. Come on England!