Back page 1992 champions Denmark have improved in recent years and will have plenty to say in this summer’s tournament.
Having missed out on qualifying for Euro 2016, they reached the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup, forcing eventual runners-up Croatia to penalties. With the likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Christian Eriksen and Milan defender Simon Kjaer in their ranks, they have a strong spine. With all three group games in Copenhagen, they should progress to the knockout stages again and will look to go even further than in Russia three years ago.
Group B: DENMARK, Belgium, Russia, Finland.
Manager: Kapser Hjulmand
Odds (PP): 22/1
Recent Tournaments: World Cup 2018 (round of 16), Euro 2016 (did not qualify)
FIFA World Ranking: 10th
Key Man
Kasper Schmeichel. The Leicester shot-stopper has been one of the top keepers in England and arguably Europe for a few seasons now and he will be central to Denmark’s attempt to emulate the success of the 1992 team, which included his father Peter in goal. He is very vocal and his leadership and presence will benefit Denmark. Just three weeks ago he captained Leicester to an FA Cup triumph, pulling off a world class reflex save from Mason Mount late on.
The Squad
Denmark have named their final 26 players for the tournament.
Schmeichel, former Huddersfield shot-stopper Jonas Lossl and Shalke’s Frederick Ronnow were named as the keepers.
Captain Simon Kjaer travels in defence, along with Premier League trio Andreas Christensen, Jannik Vestergaard and Joachim Andersen. Valencia’s Daniel, Atalanta’s Joakim Maehle or Udinese’s Jens Stryger were selected. The teams lack of options at left-back means Maehle or Larsen, both right sided players, will slot in there.
The midfield selection is as expected. Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is selected after a good first season in North London and will likely start alongside former Spur Christian Eriksen and Dortmund’s Thomas Delaney. Brentford’s play off push has earned midfielders Mathias Jensen and Christian Norgaard selection.
The forwards include Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen and Barcelona’s Martin Braithwaite. Promising Copenhagen forward Jonas Wind is selected after a good campaign. The two Skov’s, Hoffenheim’s Robert Skov and Bologna’s Andreas Skov Olsen were also selected and could feature out-wide, along with Sampdoria youngster Mikkel Damsgaard.
Andreas Cornelius makes the squad despite just one league goal in 29 appearances for relegated Parma, as does Kasper Dolberg. The former Ajax striker managed just six goals in a quiet campaign for Nice.
One to Watch
Jonas Wind. Just 22, the promising Copehagen forward bagged 17 goals and eight assists in just 31 games this season and could start at the Euros. He can play as a central striker, out wide or in attacking midfield, making him a great option for the bench if he does not start. He is also the son of former goalkeeper Per Wind.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester), Jonas Lossl (FC Midtjylland), Frederik Ronnow (Schalke)
Defenders: Simon Kjaer (AC Milan), Andreas Christensen (Chelsea), Jannik Vestergaard (Southampton), Joachim Andersen (Fulham), Mathias Jorgensen (Copenhagen), Daniel Wass (Valencia), Jens Stryger Larsen (Udinese), Joakim Maehle (Atalanta), Nicolai Boilesen (Copenhagen)
Midfielders: Christian Eriksen (Inter Milan), Thomas Delaney (Borussia Dortmund), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham), Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Christian Norgaard (Brentford), Anders Christiansen (Malmo)
Forwards: Kasper Dolberg (Nice), Jonas Wind (Copenhagen), Andreas Cornelius (Parma), Martin Braithwaite (Barcelona), Robert Skov (Hoffenheim), Mikkel Damsgaard (Sampdoria), Yussuf Poulsen (Leipzig), Andreas Skov Olsen (Bologna)
