England boss Gareth Southgate has warned Denmark have a “powerful force” which is driving them towards Euros glory.
Denmark have gone on an incredible journey since Christian Eriksen collapsed after having a cardiac arrest on the pitch of their opening group game.
That suddenly put football in perspective but the Denmark players have dedicated themselves to winning for their teammate and that sort of cause within a squad is a powerful motivation.
Inter Milan’s ex-Tottenham midfielder Eriksen has been messaging his team mates who are bringing back memories of the class of 92 as Denmark’s players stepped off the beach to win the Euros against all of the odds.
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Denmark lost their opening two group matches as they were shell shocked by Eriksen’s scare but they somehow sneaked through into the knock-out stage with just one win and have not looked back since.
Southgate said: “We talk about perspective in sport but we rarely have it. This was a moment that brought it home for all of us. I can also imagine what it has done for the Danish team, their bond.
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“We are talking about the things we have been through but what they went through that day – the way their captain was and the way the group was – and how that would have connected with their supporters. That’s pretty powerful.
“They are riding a wave of emotion for certain and that’s a powerful force that’s coming to Wembley. Those things definitely have an impact on your thinking.
“We talk about pressure a lot and we lose perspective of what that might be when we play sport.
“But I know our players are at their best when they are calm and playing another game and the thinking process is really clear. Clearing that clutter away and clearing that noise away for the last couple of games and ahead of this next one is a crucial part of our preparation really.”
