STAR PREVIEW Tues: Denmark v England

England’s return to international action didn’t quite go as hoped, and Gareth Southgate’s men will have to improve rapidly if they’re to justify odds on quotes against Denmark this evening.

A less than optimal performance against Iceland to say the least was followed up by the news that Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood had broken quarantine rules, thus ruling the pair out of tonight’s game and giving the squad some unwelcome attention. That’s a significant blow for both their prospects – although as two fine young prospects they should be able to make their way back in – but perhaps more worrying was the lacklustre nature of England’s showing against an Iceland side which was shorn of many key players.

It appeared clear that England were rusty – perhaps not a surprise given the odd nature of the scheduling – although they were unlucky that Harry Kane’s early goal was incorrectly ruled out for offside, and they did face a deep lying Icelandic defence.

Denmark v England
UEFA Nations League Group Stage
19:45 Sky Sports Football / Sky Sports Main Event

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches, since 2010)
MAR 2014 FRIENDLY England 1-0 Denmark
FEB 2011 FRIENDLY Denmark 1-2 England

Southgate should have an easier tactical time against a Denmark side that will be more inclined to spend time going forward, but we can also expect plenty of changes. Southgate has hinted at playing a back three, perhaps with Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold replacing Kyle Walker – who was sent off in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Iceland – maybe in a combination with Wolves’ captain Conor Coady and Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles, whilst Kalvin Phillips could also come into the side.

All of them – Harry Kane especially – will have to be sharper against a Denmark side that may have lost 2-0 to Belgium at the weekend but who probably played better than England did in that defeat.

New coach Kasper Hjulmand has wasted no time in implementing a pressing strategy on his side and the fact they manage to shade possession against the Belgians suggests his influence has proven to be very effective already. They didn’t inspire a huge amount going forward, but if Christian Eriksen strips fitter for his outing at the weekend, then he and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg can give England plenty to think about in midfield and Martin Braithwaite and Yussuf Poulsen have the speed and technique to put Joe Gomez and Eric Dier under serious pressure.

This doesn’t appeal hugely as a betting contest, but the 5/2 on the hosts looks overpriced in a game of question marks.

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale of 1-100 points)
BACK Denmark 1 pt at 13/5 with starsports.bet

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