Football News Update: England Gear Up for Revenge-Fueled Clash with Denmark in Euro 2024 Qualifier
Ollie Watkins, the England striker, has acknowledged that his team will not underestimate Denmark’s desire for revenge when the two sides resume their rivalry in a crucial Euro 2024 qualifying match in Frankfurt on Thursday.
The mood in Denmark has been characterized by Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who stated that his countrymen have not forgotten the controversial penalty incident that led to England’s victory over Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final. Harry Kane converted the rebound after Kasper Schmeichel saved his initial spot-kick, leaving Denmark to lament Raheem Sterling’s perceived exaggeration of minimal contact from Joakim Mæhle.
“In Denmark, they will definitely remember that semi-final,” Frank told the BBC. “And the penalty. Or the foul on Sterling for the penalty. Borderline, let’s say it that way. But of course England are the favourites. They are one of the favourites for the Euros and they have a very good squad. I think they have a very good chance to win it.”
Denmark have work to do after drawing 1-1 with Slovenia in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier, but they will be fueled by a sense of injustice when they face an England team that currently tops Group C following their victory over Serbia on Sunday.
“We’re very aware of that and also I feel like their team has probably actually got better since that last fixture,” Watkins said. “The boys are fully aware that they’re dangerous, they’ve had a lot of good players into that team and now they’ve got that experience as well. It’s definitely not going to be taken lightly.”
Denmark’s manager, Kasper Hjulmand, expressed his frustration over the penalty decision after the Euro 2020 semi-final, saying it was “a penalty which should not have been a penalty.” He admitted that the memory of that Wembley heartbreak still haunts him.
“I still wake up at night thinking about that match,” Hjulmand said last December. “Obviously, when you are that close, I think it is something you will always remember and will always carry with you when you are that close to a final. That one hurts. Really, really, a lot.”
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Denmark seek redemption and England look to maintain their momentum in the quest for Euro 2024 qualification.
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