They say it’s not over until the fat lady sings – but in Denmark’s case she has only gone up to the microphone.
A win is absolutely necessary against Russia if the Danes are to have any chance of staying in the tournament beyond the group stage, but even three points may not be enough to keep them in Euro 2020.
The Kasper Hjulmand team must win, win well and hope for some favorites elsewhere in the competition to keep them alive. And here is the team they have to put together when they want to do it.
Schmeichel will be one of the first names on the team magazine / Isosport / MB Media / Getty Images
Kasper Schmeichel (GK) – With 67 appearances for his country so far, he is still far from his father’s record of 129 matches. But even at 34, he does not seem to give up the gloves anytime soon.
Daniel Wass (RB) – A change to a back four can come when Denmark chases some goals but regardless of form, Wass will run in on the right side.
Simon Kjaer (CB) – The captain will be on a par with Thomas Sorensen as Denmark’s ninth most equalized player of all time, and he will be desperate to get them through so he can add to it further.
Andreas Christensen (CB) – The tall Chelsea man is growing in importance for Denmark’s side and should survive the change to a back four.
Joakim Maehle (LB) – The lack of a reliable left-back means that Maehle has filled in on his weaker side. Fortunately, the Atalanta man is pretty good there.
Thomas Delaney takes a pop in goal against Belgium / Jonathan Nackstrand – Pool / Getty Images
Thomas Delaney (CM) – Rarely misses a game for his country when he is in shape and it is unlikely that he will start now. Mr Reliable in midfield.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CM) – Played every minute for Tottenham in the Premier League season and has so far not missed a minute of Euro. He begins.
Mathias Jensen (CM) – It could just as easily be his Brentford teammate Christian Norgaard who starts here, but Jensen gives more of an attacking outlet in midfield.
Poulsen’s goals will be important / Isosport / MB Media / Getty Images
Martin Braithwaite (FW) – The Barcelona man has hardly been clinical for his country but runs the channels well and is an indispensable part of his side’s attack.
Yussuf Poulsen (FW) – Provides outlet for Denmark and has two goals in his last four matches. Shoo-in to start.
Mikkel Damsgaard (FW) – The kid has been asked to go in for Christian Eriksen and behaved admirably against Belgium. He is one to watch in the coming years and can make a real mark here if he gets the nod to start over.
