04-07-2021, 17:54
Denmark are very strong at centre back and they have performed above themselves several times, but Finland were, at least, holding them when Eriksen collapsed. They came out like lions against Belgium, but when Belgium put on their top players there was only one side in it. They then beat a very poor side easily, walked it against a modest side, but despite good moments against the Czechs, the result could easily have gone the other way. A fortunate draw has carried them a long way. Much better sides have gone home. Be honest!
The truth is this England side will disappoint even the most realistic supporters if they don't beat Denmark. The main worry is that Denmark have spent the last two years at least developing a winning habit, including beating us. There are several individuals in the Danish set-up who not only wouldn't get near the England squad if they were English, they wouldn't be attracting much Premier League interest either. But they do their job in this team. The question is can our better individuals stay together as a team sufficiently well to impose themselves on the Danes.
Last night I was particularly worried by Jordan Pickford, who looked on the verge of panic all night. He'd done pretty well against Germany and earlier really, but I have this suspicion that he has now developed enough insight to question his own ability, which is fatal in a keeper. I think he used to put fumbles behind him in sheer stupid self-belief, now he's remembering errors. In the first half he shovelled away a tame shot like a six year on his first go in goal. Second half he read a through ball really well, missed it and only by sheer good fortune avoided conceding. Then, faced with a snap shot straight at him he punched it away like a continental goalie from the 1960s. Why knock it back in such a way you've no idea where it is going? Surely as an England keeper your reflexes are sharper than that and muscle memory will take over and help you get hold of the goddam hot potato. He hasn't let a goal in. His confidence ought to be sky-high. Neuer's would. But last night he looked as though he was thinking, "fcku-ups overdue". It is very easy to talk yourself into a mistake in goal ..... If I were Denmark I'd pressure him big time.
The truth is this England side will disappoint even the most realistic supporters if they don't beat Denmark. The main worry is that Denmark have spent the last two years at least developing a winning habit, including beating us. There are several individuals in the Danish set-up who not only wouldn't get near the England squad if they were English, they wouldn't be attracting much Premier League interest either. But they do their job in this team. The question is can our better individuals stay together as a team sufficiently well to impose themselves on the Danes.
Last night I was particularly worried by Jordan Pickford, who looked on the verge of panic all night. He'd done pretty well against Germany and earlier really, but I have this suspicion that he has now developed enough insight to question his own ability, which is fatal in a keeper. I think he used to put fumbles behind him in sheer stupid self-belief, now he's remembering errors. In the first half he shovelled away a tame shot like a six year on his first go in goal. Second half he read a through ball really well, missed it and only by sheer good fortune avoided conceding. Then, faced with a snap shot straight at him he punched it away like a continental goalie from the 1960s. Why knock it back in such a way you've no idea where it is going? Surely as an England keeper your reflexes are sharper than that and muscle memory will take over and help you get hold of the goddam hot potato. He hasn't let a goal in. His confidence ought to be sky-high. Neuer's would. But last night he looked as though he was thinking, "fcku-ups overdue". It is very easy to talk yourself into a mistake in goal ..... If I were Denmark I'd pressure him big time.