"They are a better side now than ever" - Denmark star Kasper Schmeichel previews Group C clash with England at Euro 2024
Denmark goalkeeper reckons England are playing 'better than ever' ahead of their Euro 2024 clash with the Three Lions in Stuttgart on Thursday (June 20). The two sides had contrasting fortunes in respective campaign openers.
While Gareth Southgate's England opened their Euro 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win over Serbia, Denmark drew 1-1 with Slovenia. The Danes are meeting the Three Lions for the first time since a 2-1 Euro 2020 semifinal defeat three years ago.
Ahead of their Euro 2024 meeting with Southgate's side, Schmeichel admitted that the opposition is 'world-class' (as per France 24):
"I think England were a world class side when we met them (at Euro 2020), they got to the final of a major tournament.
"And when you look at some of the additions and the experience they've gained they are a better side now than ever, at least in the time I've played against them. We're going to have to be on top of our game to beat them."
Dismissing any notion of exacting revenge for their loss three years ago, Schmeichel added:
"I'm not the kind of person to look back three years for motivation. The biggest motivation for myself is we are playing another Euros with Denmark. The biggest motivation is imagining celebrating a win for our fans after they have travelled all that way."
Denmark last beat England in a competitive fixture in October 2020, winning 1-0 in a UEFA Nations League clash.
A look at Denmark's last clash with Euro 2024 contenders England
Denmark won't have happy memories of their last clash with Euro 2024 contenders England, as they went down 2-1 in extra time at the Wembley in the Euro 2020 semifinals.
Mikkel Damsgaard's fine free-kick gave the Danes a surprise lead after 30 minutes as the Three Lions conceded for the first time in six games in the competition. However, under pressure, Danish captain Simon Kjaer put through his own net six minutes before half-time.
With no goals in the second half, extra time ensued - where Harry Kane scored the winner in the 103rd minute after Raheem Sterling was fouled in the box. With the Danes unable to conjure a response, Southgate's side moved to within a win of their first major title in 55 years.
However, despite opening the scoring through Luke Shaw in the final against Italy, extra time - and subsequently penalties - ensued, where the Three Lions missed three straight spot-kicks from 2-1 up after two attempts each.