“Has it ever been home ?”, Kasper Schmeichel’s comments during the build-up to this high octane encounter have certainly got everyone buzzing. Wembley will host one of England’s most pivotal matches as they take on Denmark for a spot alongside Italy in the final.
England
Despite their shakiness in the group stages, the Three Lions have sprung up and meant business in the knockout stages so far.
Their impeccable display against Ukraine in the quarter-final satisfied the critics, who were skeptical of the tactics employed till then.
Gareth Southgate has not been afraid of chopping and fine-tuning the squad according to the talent present or the opposition.
For England, it is all coming together at a good time. The return of Harry Maguire, the introduction of Luke Shaw into the setup, and Harry Kane getting back into form were crucial for a shot at glory.
Despite a solid display by Jadon Sancho in Rome, the manager is expected to bring back Bukayo Saka with the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount having already sealed their places in the attack. Jack Grealish is once again only expected to play a role off the bench for the team.
The midfield duo of Kalvin-Phillips and Declan Rice have been instrumental, and since they escaped a booking in the previous match, both are slated to take their places ahead of Jordan Henderson. The Liverpool skipper had capped off a solid outing off the bench which culminated with his debut goal for the nation.
Golden Glove winner Jordan Pickford will unquestionably retain his place between the sticks as the Manchester defence in front of him protect the goal.
Denmark
The Scandinavian fairytale still runs strong and faces its sternest test in the knockouts so far. The team were bracing peril after losing out Christian Eriksen, but as a unit, they have forged a marvelous run of games.
After ousting Wales and the Czech Republic in the knockouts, they booked their place in the final four.
Yussuf Poulsen and Simon Kjaer are casualties on the injury table, but the latter is expected to lead the side out at Wembley when the time comes. Whereas, Poulsen will have to sit this one out as the in-form Dolberg leads the line.
A back three of Kjaer, Andreas Christensen and Vestergaard will aim to tighten things as much as possible against the potent English attack.
Waging Odds: England (1.72) vs Denmark (5.50)
England are favourites and are priced at 1.72, meaning if you bet ₹100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making ₹172.
Denmark are priced at 5.50 and are the underdogs. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹550 if they come out as winners.
Our Prediction
England have improved as the tournament has progressed and will be high on confidence taking on their opposition in front of their own fans.
While England will be made to work, their quality and prowess are expected to break down the resilient Danes. The occasion might stretch the time to beyond 90 minutes, but the Three Lions are touted to take this game 2-1 in their favour and enter the final.
Place your bets for the match here.
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