JustArsenal’s Euro 2024 Predictions Game 2 Part 1 – England to beat Denmark narrowly?

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·18 June 2024

JustArsenal’s Euro 2024 Predictions Game 2 Part 1 – England to beat Denmark narrowly?

Dan’s Euro 24 Prediction

As there is a quick turnaround between match day one and 2, I thought we would half it, so you have more time. Here are my Predictions for Matchday 2, part 1.

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Germany 3-1 Hungary

Any great tournament needs the hosts to do well. Germany’s confidence has been so fragile for so long that how they started was always going to be crucial. A slip up and it wouldn’t take much for the locals to turn, with this squad not having the mentality to deal with that. Win and this football mad nation will support you, momentum you can ride into the knockout stages. It helps that several of their young stars were outstanding on opening night. Hungary are better then they showed on Saturday, but they can’t not show up for 70 mins in this group and expect to get away with it. Might have to hope that beating Scotland will be enough for third to qualify (a silly rule).

Scotland 1-1 Switzerland

There’s zero disgrace to lose to Germany away from home. On their day the Germans have players who can hurt any defence. What isn’t acceptable Is to not show up and let the moment pass you by. At the very least you expect Scotland to give everything they have. It’s very an unlike Steve Clarke performance for one of his teams not to do that and not in the Scottish DNA. Because of goal difference, third might not be enough now for them to qualify so they need a result here. I’m at least assuming because of pride they will demand a response. Am I still giving them too much credit?

Croatia 1-1 Albania

I did predict that Albania getting out of the Group of Death might be asking too much but they would put up more of a fight than some might assume. They proved me correct by scoring the quickest goal in the history of the European Championship. Is too early to say if this is one tournament too many for an ageing Croatia but they won’t be comfortable in a situation where they are favourites. They prefer scenarios the other way around.

Spain 1-1 Italy

I’m not getting carried away with Spain because I see them do this in groups before, only in knockout football to not have an alternative when they can’t break down a defence. It was noticeable though at the weekend they were using the width more than previous versions (including a 16-year-old). How many times do the Spanish win yet not have the most possession? So maybe their ethos is changing? With both these sides starting with a win I think if level with 15 mins to go, neither has a reason to gamble and chase the 3 points.

Slovenia 2-1 Serbia

I was surprised to see the pre-tournament odds regarding Slovenia finishing runners up in this group. Once they showed some belief against Denmark, they realised they can compete at this level. Serbia have one of the worst defences at this competition so for the best form of defence Thursday will be attack. Slovenia might not get a better chance for their first ever win at a Euros.

Denmark 0-1 England

Special mention to Ericksen. The last time he played at the Euros it was doubtful he would play again yet alone be scoring on the same stage. Do my fellow English fans ever learn? I thought we had learnt our lessons, and the days of over reacting were over. We tell ourselves this is the greatest Three Lions squad ever assembled (it’s not!) and then act shocked when we ‘only‘ beat Serbia 1-0 like we are above that. You can understand why the rest of the world think we are an arrogant footballing nation! We have known for years Southgate is a conservative manager. That isn’t going to change in his 8th year in charge so why be surprised when he’s happy to close out a narrow victory? Should he have that mindset? Will those tactics cost him in the knockout stages? That’s a debate for another day. Fact is on Sunday we controlled the game with Rice outstanding in front of the back 4… More of the same here?

Dan

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