SAN FRANCISCO, October 14, (THEWILL) – The unsavoury sight of England’s disciplinary problems continued in a 1-0 Nations League loss to Denmark.
Having silenced critics by coming from behind to beat the highly-rated Belgium side 2-1 at the weekend, Gareth Southgate’s side immediately ceded top spot in Group A2. Belgian central midfielder Christian Eriksen scored the only goal of the match with a 35th-minute penalty.
Such is the dismal disciplinary record of the Three Lions that this was the third spot-kick they have conceded in four Nations League matches this season alone. In fact, to add to the pair of rash bookings Maguire accrued to earn their second red card of the campaign, full debutant Reece James joined that list of ignominy after being sent off for dissent after the final whistle.
Denmark started the brighter of the two teams. Kasper Dolberg, Danish striker for Ligue 1 side Nice, had an eighth-minute attempt from Eriksen’s clever low corner deflected into the side netting by English central midfield defender Kalvin Phillips.
Southgate’s charges found it an uphill task creating clear openings, especially as Harry Kane’s typical clinical touch deserted him in front of goal on the end of Mount’s lay-off.
Southgate would rue that chance slipping away as his team imploded just after the half-hour mark.
First, Maguire was arguably fortunate to remain on the pitch after his reckless early lunge on RB Leipzig’s attacker Yussuf Poulsen. But, Maguire left Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano little choice when the Manchester United captain’s heavy touch led to him careering into Dolberg.
By the time Dolberg was substituted still nursing the effect of that clumsy Maguire challenge, Eriksen had slammed home from the penalty spot after Manchester City’s Kyle Walker was harshly penalised for impeding Thomas Delaney, Borussia Dortmund’s central midfielder.
Playing a man short appeared to improve England’s performance and they could have levelled the scoreline at different times. Danish keeper, Schmeichel had to display incredible athleticism and reactions to deny Mount’s pinpoint header in the 66th minute.
The Leicester City goalkeeper further exhibited sharp reflexes to tip over a rasping free-kick from James 12 minutes from time. Schmeichel’s heroics aside, he yet needed the help of a goal-line clearance by captain Simon Kjaer to frustrate Conor Coady in the final minute.
THEWILL believes there was no better way for the Inter Milan centre back Kjaer to cap his 100th game for the Danish side. THEWILL also contends that Southgate has his work cut out for him with uncanny incoherence in the movement forward and negligible attacking threats in the frontline.
This defeat presents a debilitating drawback for the Three Lions in their desire to qualify for the Nations League finals. They are now third in Group A3 behind Denmark on goal difference. Belgium are two points clear at the top with their 2-1 win against Iceland.
England travel to Belgium in their penultimate group game next month and will need a convincing win there, while Denmark entertain Iceland on their return to Nations League action.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
