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Euro 2024: England Held by Denmark, Serbia Grab Late Equalizer, Switzerland Close to Last 16

England's Knockout Stage Berth on Hold After Denmark Draw

England's quest for a smooth passage to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 hit a snag as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Denmark in a Group C clash at Frankfurt's Deutsche Bank Park. The Three Lions, touted as tournament favorites after their runner-up finish at Euro 2020, failed to capitalize on their early lead and squandered the chance to secure their place in the next round.

Gareth Southgate's men started brightly, taking the lead in the 18th minute through captain Harry Kane. A deflected Kyle Walker cross found Kane unmarked in the box, and the England skipper made no mistake, slotting the ball home. However, their advantage proved short-lived. A sloppy England throw-in gifted Denmark possession, and Morten Hjulmand capitalized with a thunderous long-range strike that beat Jordan Pickford at his near post.

 

Despite their pre-match claims of putting revenge for their Euro 2020 semi-final defeat behind them, Denmark displayed a fighting spirit that was absent during their disappointing World Cup campaign and opening draw against Slovenia. The Danes matched England's intensity throughout the encounter, making the most of a bumpy pitch that hindered both teams' attempts at fluid play.

While Phil Foden rattled the post for England in the second half, Denmark also threatened with Andreas Christensen nearly snatching a winner. Ultimately, the spoils were shared, leaving Group C wide open heading into the final round of fixtures.

Serbia Salvage Draw with Last-Minute Jovic Header

In an absorbing encounter at the Munich Football Arena, Serbia avoided defeat against Slovenia thanks to a dramatic late equalizer from substitute Luka Jovic. The Serbians, who fell short in their opening match against England, started sluggishly once again, allowing Slovenia to take control.

Slovenia's dominance paid off in the 69th minute with a well-worked goal. Right-back Zan Karnicnik initiated the move, surging forward before releasing the ball to Timi Elsnik. Elsnik then returned the favor with a precise cross that Karnicnik met with a clinical finish past Predrag Rajkovic.

Facing their second consecutive defeat, Serbia upped the pressure in search of an equalizer. Their efforts finally bore fruit in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Jovic rose highest to nod home a corner, leaving the Slovenians heartbroken. The draw keeps both sides in contention for a place in the knockout stages.

 

Switzerland on Brink of Last 16 After Shaqiri Magic

Switzerland edged closer to a spot in the knockout round after Xherdan Shaqiri's wonder strike secured a 1-1 draw against Scotland in Wednesday's late game. The Swiss fell behind early on when a Scott McTominay effort deflected off Fabian Schar and looped past Gregor Kobel.

However, Shaqiri, the former Liverpool forward, stepped up with a moment of brilliance to restore parity. Capitalizing on a woeful backpass from Anthony Ralston, Shaqiri unleashed a stunning curler from 20 yards that left Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall with no chance.

The result leaves Switzerland in a strong position in Group A, sitting second with four points, two adrift of group leaders Germany. With a victory over Germany in their final group game, the Swiss will confirm their place in the next round.

Scotland Still in the Hunt for Historic Knockout Berth

Despite the draw, Scotland remain in the hunt for a historic first appearance in the knockout stages of a major tournament. Steve Clarke's men displayed a significant improvement from their opening drubbing by Germany, showcasing a fighting spirit that kept them in the contest.

A convincing win against Hungary in their final group match, coupled with a favorable outcome in other fixtures, could see Scotland clinch a coveted last-16 berth. "It was a good reaction to a disappointing night against Germany," said Clarke. "I believe if we get three points against Hungary, we'll go to the next stage. We're a good team and we're still alive."

With the top four third-placed teams progressing to the knockout stages, Scotland's fate rests on their final group encounter. They will need to significantly improve their goal difference to enhance their chances of progressing.