The key battles to look out for in England’s Euro 2020 semi against Denmark
England face Denmark at Wembley in their historic Euro 2020 semi-final.
The Three Lions have never progressed further at a European Championship and, here, the PA news agency looks at the key battles which could define the game.
Andreas Christensen v Harry Kane
Chelsea defender Christensen has already spoken about knowing how to stop Kane and will ask the striker’s Tottenham team-mate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for extra tips.
“We know his qualities, and everyone has an idea of what we can do to stop him,” Christensen told a press conference. “Pierre-Emile also knows him and it may be that he can share some things.”
But Kane is going through the gears after a slow start to the tournament and his two goals against Ukraine show he is gaining momentum.
Harry Maguire v Kasper Dolberg
KASPER DOLBERG🎯#ForDanmark#EURO2020pic.twitter.com/P2KiegxOK6— DBU – En Del Af Noget Større (@DBUfodbold) July 3, 2021
Maguire has put any injury worries behind him with assured performances, having been a doubt before the tournament with an ankle problem.
He has helped England maintain their 100 per cent clean sheet record but Dolberg represents one of the biggest threats to that.
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The Nice forward had three goals in three appearances – and is yet to play a full 90 minutes – including two against Wales while he netted the decisive second in Denmark’s 2-1 quarter-final win over the Czech Republic.
Luke Shaw v Jens Stryger Larsen
What a night! All 👀 on the semis! pic.twitter.com/cJNCUPynVV— Luke Shaw (@LukeShaw23) July 3, 2021
The Manchester United left-back has come of age this tournament, seven years after making his England debut.
He has three assists – including two in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Ukraine – and has quickly become key to Gareth Southgate’s plans, despite not starting the opening 1-0 win over Croatia.
Udinese defender Stryger Larsen will be tasked with stopping him but Shaw, and England, will have to be aware defensively with Stryger Larsen dangerous from set-pieces. He set up Thomas Delaney in the win over the Czech Republic.