England draw Denmark, Spain to battle Italy for last 16 place

England struggled to show their credentials to win Euro 2024 in a 1-1 draw with Denmark that left them with work to do to reach the last 16, while Spain and Italy will battle it out to reach the knockout stages later on Thursday.

Victory for England in Frankfurt would have booked their place in the next round as Group C winners.

However, an underwhelming performance by Gareth Southgate’s men leaves more questions over their quest to becoming European champions for the first time.

In a rematch of the Euro 2020 semi-final won by England, it was Southgate’s men who got off to a perfect start when Harry Kane slotted home after Kyle Walker caught Danish defender Victor Kristiansen napping.

Denmark, though, were well worthy of at least a point and got it thanks to a spectacular strike by Morten Hjulmand before half-time.

Phil Foden hit the post for England and Denmark’s Andreas Christensen came close to a late winner in the second half.

But a share of the spoils leaves it all to play for in the final games of Group C on Tuesday.

Earlier, Luka Jovic snatched a point for Serbia in the 95th minute to hold Slovenia 1-1.

Zan Karnicnik headed Slovenia in front 21 minutes from time.

But Serbia kept their fate of reaching the last 16 in their own hands when AC Milan striker Jovic headed in a corner with virtually the last action of the game.

England top the group on four points, two clear of Denmark and Slovenia, and just need a draw when they face Slovenia in Cologne to qualify.

Gelsenkirchen plays host to one of the most-highly anticipated clashes of the group stage later as the winners of three of the last four Euros go head-to-head.

Spain’s mix of precocious youth and experience shone in a dazzling 3-0 win over World Cup semi-finalists Croatia to get their campaign off to a flying start.