MX23RW : Wednesday, January 8 04:21:56| >> :600:4022415:4022415:

How do England and Denmark statistically compare ahead of semi-final?

How do England and Denmark statistically compare ahead of semi-final?
© Reuters
England are the only team yet to concede in the tournament but Denmark have been an impressive attacking force, scoring 11 goals so far.

England face Denmark in their Euro 2020 semi-final on Wednesday.

Here, the PA news agency looks at how the teams compare statistically in the tournament so far.

Attack v defence

England v Denmark match preview
England v Denmark match preview (PA graphic)

Despite their 4-0 rout of Ukraine last time out, the success of Gareth Southgate's team has been built on their defensive strength.

They are the only team yet to concede in the tournament, with five clean sheets to make it a run of seven in succession, including their warm-up games against Austria and Romania.

Denmark, by contrast, have pulled through a difficult start to the tournament to become one of the most exciting attacking sides on show, with back-to-back four-goal hauls against Russia and Wales helping them to 11 goals – just one behind Spain's tournament lead.

Kasper Dolberg has scored three in two knockout matches, emulating England captain Harry Kane whose team-mate Raheem Sterling is also on three for the tournament.

Denmark rank third with 90 total shots and second with 37 on target, one place behind Spain in both categories, with Italy's often wayward attack top in total shots with 101.

England's 37 shots and 15 on target rank way down in 19th and 13th respectively, though their eight goals represent an impressive conversion rate and they have also hit the woodwork three times.

Battle of the left-backs

Discussion of Southgate's initial tournament squad centred on the glut of high-quality right-backs selected, with four players seemingly battling for one place until Trent Alexander-Arnold was ruled out by injury.

Kieran Trippier got his chance on the left in the tournament opener against Croatia but since then, Luke Shaw has taken a firm hold of that spot – whether in a back four or, against Germany, as a wing-back.

His performances have rivalled those of his Danish counterpart Joakim Maehle, with both players providing a quality attacking outlet down that flank for their respective sides.

Shaw trails only Switzerland's Steven Zuber with three assists in the tournament, while Maehle has scored two goals and brilliantly set up another for Dolberg against the Czech Republic.

The Atalanta youngster has completed 22 dribbles in the tournament, according to uefa.com, with France superstar Kylian Mbappe (26) the only player to exceed that figure. Maehle has also taken 10 shots, with seven of them on target.

Shaw has yet to register a dribble and has just one shot, off target, but has the better crossing accuracy, completing six to Maehle's four out of 15 attempts each. The Manchester United star has also won two of his three tackles while Maehle has failed with both his attempts.

Whichever team can get the most out of their impressive performer in that position will fancy their chances of reaching Sunday's final.

ID:454161: cacheID:454161:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7093:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
England captain Harry Kane pictured in action against Ukraine at Euro 2020 on July 3, 2021
Read Next:
Euro 2020 day 25: England eyeing first-ever final appearance
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!