England have been described as ‘flat as a pancake’ after stuttering to a 1-1 draw with Denmark in their second Euro 2024 group match.
A win would have all but sealed the Three Lions’ place in the knock out stages of the competition following their opening 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday.
But Gareth Southgate’s side were unable to take all three points in Frankfurt, with Harry Kane’s 18th minute strike quickly cancelled out by Morten Hjulmand’s long range effort to make it 1-1.
Despite only picking up a point, England remain top of Group C following Serbia and Slovenia’s 1-1 draw earlier on Thursday.
But the Three Lions’ performances in Germany so far have raised several concerns amongst the country’s fans and ex-players alike.
Former England defender Stuart Pearce summed England’s approach up as he analysed the game for talkSPORT live from Germany.
He said: “The biggest commodity England need is energy and at the moment we’re as flat as a pancake.”
England took the lead in the 18th minute when Kyle Walker paced to beat Andreas Christensen – who was focused on closing down Bukayo Saka – to the ball and send it into the box.
Kane was the lucky recipient as Denmark failed to clear their lines, firing home to net his first of the tournament.
But England fans then got a sense of deja vu from the Serbia game just 20 minutes later, as the Three Lions began to soak up pressure from their opponents.
Unlike the Serbia game, though, England were unable to keep Denmark at bay, with Hjulmand striking a low effort from outside the box after the Three Lions lost the ball from a throw in.
That was enough to stop England from taking a vital win, although the Three Lions do still look set to go through, providing results go their way.
Southgate’s selection headache won’t ease off anytime soon, either.
He named an unchanged starting XI, but took Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been put in midfield so far, off again.
And despite boasting star attackers Jude Bellingham, Kane and Bukayo Saka, England struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Phil Foden came the closest to putting England back ahead as he struck the post in the second half, but in truth, another Three Lions goal didn’t look likely.
“We’ve got absolutely no idea what we’re trying to achieve,” Pearce just before the final whistle. “Have I got my head in my hands? You’re damn right. Wowee.”
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News Summary:
- England’s energy ‘flat as a pancake’ as Gareth Southgate’s side stutter to draw against Denmark
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