England lightning strikes for third time with Gareth Southgate's side poor in Denmark Euro 2024 draw
England star Harry Kane celebrates scoring during his side's Euro 2024 clash with Denmark
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When Harry Kane put England in front after 13 minutes against Denmark in Thursday's Euro 2024 clash, it appeared as though history was on the cards.
The Three Lions have never won their first two matches at the European Championships, despite being involved every time - barring 2008, when they failed to qualify.
England beat Serbia 1-0 last time out, despite not being at their best. The brilliance of Jude Bellingham was the difference that day, with the Real Madrid star's header enough to secure all three points.
But the Three Lions, for the third major tournament in a row, have now picked up four points from a possible six.
England star Harry Kane celebrates scoring during his side's Euro 2024 clash with Denmark
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In 2021, at the Covid-hampered Euro 2020, England edged Croatia 1-0 due to some brilliance from Raheem Sterling.
They then followed that up with a goalless draw against Scotland, with the Tartan Army digging deep to keep their fiercest rivals at bay.
At the last World Cup, England thumped Iran 6-2, running riot in the Qatar sunshine.
Yet that was followed up by a goalless draw with the United States to quieten some of the hype back home.
There is still no need to completely panic. While England have disappointed in Germany this summer, they're still undefeated.
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However, improvement is required if England are to finally end 58 years of hurt by going all the way and this was a test they were lucky to pass.
In Denmark, they were facing a team Declan Rice had described as 'technical' prior to kick off. The Danes lived up to that billing and were superior to England for large spells, unlucky not to win.
England took the lead through Kane in the 13th minute, with the forward showing predatory instincts to break the deadlock following some good work from Kyle Walker.
The Bayern Munich star had been flat against Serbia, sparking questions over his best role for the side.
But though this was another mixed day for the 30-year-old, Kane's goal will silence his critics.
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As the goal rippled, it seemed as though England would add to their total.
Yet Denmark, who pushed the Three Lions so close in the semi-finals of Euro 2020, grabbed a deserved leveller from Morten Hjulmand.
The 24-year-old caught the ball sweetly in the 34th minute, with no England player able to close him down.
His powerful low drive was too much for Jordan Pickford, who was furious at his team-mates for switching off.
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England were poor during their Euro 2024 draw with Denmark
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In the second half, England started to up the ante.
Declan Rice tested Kasper Schmeichel, with the Arsenal star seeing his shot sail into the goalkeeper's arms.
Bukayo Saka started to the come into the game, going close with a header, before being substituted for Jarrod Bowen.
And Phil Foden came closest to restoring England's lead. The Manchester City star's shot from the edge of the box struck the post, proving it wasn't to be his night.
By bringing on Bowen, Ollie Watkins and Conor Gallagher, Gareth Southgate tried to change things.
England were pegged back by Denmark during their Euro 2024 draw clash
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But England were poor and, in the end, will take the point.
With four points, they still have work to do to book their place in the knockout stages of the competition.
Yet Southgate will point to England still being unbeaten. There's no doubt about it, however, that they'll have to be better once more to finally bring football home.