England were unable to book their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024 on Thursday after Morten Hjulmand’s spectacular strike earned Denmark a 1-1 draw
A point was the least the Danes deserved as England again failed to live up to expectations in Frankfurt after an underwhelming 1-0 win over Serbia in their opening game
Harry Kane had given the Three Lions an early lead as England pounced on a Danish defensive error.
Hjulmand’s rocket from outside the box equalized before half-time and Denmark were left to regret their missed chances to secure a famous victory.
England remain on top of Group C, two points clear of Slovenia, who they will face in Cologne on Tuesday.
Serbia’s late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Slovenia earlier on Thursday also keeps their destiny in their own hands.
England boss Gareth Southgate said on Wednesday that he avoids media coverage during tournaments to escape negative stories.
But will be braced for more criticism after another flat display from one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel claimed on the eve of the game they would not be fuelled by revenge for their Euro 2020 semi-final heartbreak to England three years ago.
However, the Danes were a different squad from the side that disappointed at the 2022 World Cup and in drawing against Slovenia to open their tournament in Germany.
Denmark had made the brighter start as both sides struggled to cope with a bobbly pitch in Frankfurt that cut up badly in just its second game of five at Euro 2024.