After the trauma felt during Euro 2020 and the disappointment of the 2022 World Cup, Denmark are ready to bounce back after a comfortable qualification campaign proved they still have plenty of bite.
The Danes placed top of qualifying Group H with 22 points after narrowly pipping Slovenia on goal difference. Both teams will meet again in the Euros Group C alongside England and Serbia.
The qualifying stage posed a simple challenge for the Danes to navigate as it lacked any real quality to test Kasper Hjulmand’s side, who only tasted defeat twice: once versus Kazakhstan after a 3-2 comeback, and once versus Northern Ireland with qualification already guaranteed.
Denmark will have plenty of challenges to overcome early on with stern tests versus England and Serbia, before the rematch against Slovenia who proved to be a tough nut to crack in qualifying.
The team is filled with familiar faces from their inspiring Euro 2020 run, with the addition of talented young Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Star Player:
Captain Christian Eriksen, despite not getting any younger at 32-years-old, is still at the core of the Danish setup. With plenty of experience at the top level, Eriksen is a useful creator who enjoys playing further up the pitch than he does for Manchester United. Despite playing a bit-part role for the Red Devils this term, he looks to be a re-energised player in the Denmark jersey.
After the haunting events of the last tournament, in which Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest against Finland, the player missed the latter stages whilst he recovered from the life-threatening ordeal. His team triumphantly reached the semi final stage, but bailed out to England in extra time.
Now revitalised and ready, Eriksen will want to leave his mark on what could be his last International tournament for Denmark.
Breakout star to watch:
Having enjoyed a successful first season at Manchester United, 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund is set for his first international tournament for Denmark. He ended the qualification phase as Denmark’s top-scorer with seven goals after breaking into the first team back in 2023.
The Dane was sold to Manchester United for €73.90 million last summer which acts as a statement to his potential, but still has plenty to prove to justify such a heavy price tag. Strong and fast, Hojlund offers a direct attacking approach that is difficult to stop partnered with a powerful and accurate left foot.
Manager: Kasper Hjulmand
Current boss Kasper Hjulmand was hired ahead of Euro 2020, which marked a bright start to his Denmark career.
His side were unfortunate not to make it to the final after taking England to extra time, where a controversial penalty made the difference in a 2-1 defeat.
Since then, the Dane was perhaps lucky to keep his job after a poor performance at the 2022 World Cup, which saw Denmark finish rock bottom of their group behind Tunisia, Australia and eventual finalists France.
His team have since picked up a strong run of form, beside an anomalous 2-0 loss to Northern Ireland, but haven’t played top-15 FIFA-ranked opposition since their loss to France meant the end of a disappointing World Cup.
Throughout qualifying, Hjulmand preferred to use a unique 3-4-1-2 shape to maximise the output of creator Christian Eriksen.
Schedule:
Denmark v Slovenia – 16/06 – MHPArena
Denmark v England – 20/06 – Deutsch Bank Park
Serbia v Denmark – 25/06 – Allianz Arena