Germany vs Denmark – Euro 2024: Live score, team news and updates as Kai Havertz keeps his place – and Antonio Rudiger is passed fit… while Rasmus Hojlund is retained too
The Dortmund takeover
Germany were sharing some fan clips on their socials earlier on, with supporters literally everywhere.
Apparently there is a fan club, and they don’t go about their business quietly…
Please enjoy this clip from a couple of hours ago, and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
Inside the dressing rooms
The scene is set inside the Westfalenstadion with around half an hour to go until the first ball is kicked.
The players have already been in there to go out and get warm. It is actually absolutely baking – 25 degrees, according to my trusty Apple weather app.
Kroos’ swansong?
It still feels mental that we have to bring this up, but today could be the last game of Toni Kroos’ illustrious career.
The midfielder, at 34, will be retiring at the end of the tournament. Club and country. That’s it.
Carlo Ancelotti has said the door is open for him to return to Real Madrid next season if he changes his mind and he has probably been in the team of the tournament so far this month.
There may be more to it than just football. But it would be a shame.
If he performs how he has been these last few months, tonight certainly won’t be the end.
Denmark ‘DON’T create enough’
Roy Keane, ITV Sport:
They are struggling but they are an experienced, settled side. You have to fancy Germany, but it won’t be easy.
Ian Wright, ITV Sport:
I think Germany have to watch out for set pieces. I don’t Denmark they create enough for their forwards.
Get to know Nagelsmann
After 15 years of Joachim Low’s leadership, Germany were stumped at where to turn next, and ended up appointing Hansi Flick, one of Low’s former assistants and ex-Bayern Munich mastermind.
Except it didn’t go to plan. Two years in charge saw an early exit at the World Cup in 2022 before he departed his role, and they have now turned to Julian Nagelsmann.
The 36-year-old is widely-regarded as one of the best tacticians at the tournament. Flanked by some world class stars an exciting talents, he has got his side ticking, and they are well in the race to win this tournament.
Read a bit more about him – from his partner to his personal life to his football – below.
Meet Julian Nagelsmann’s girlfriend who he cannot keep his hands off
Player arrivals
Now we have the teams, we need some players.
They have been taking in the surroundings in Dortmund, with kick off now around an hour away.
The warm-ups will be underway soon. Fans are already making themselves heard!
Denmark team to face Germany
Hjulmand is the big miss for Denmark, with the midfielder, who struck against England, suspended.
They keep faith with Hojlund, but Wind is benched in the only non-enforced change.
Other Premier League stars Eriksen, Andersen and Vestergaard start.
Germany team to face Denmark
The reports were wrong! I’m so glad I spent my time on that post.
Kai Havertz does indeed start, with Niclas Fullkrug again on the bench.
The are three changes in total from the draw with Switzerland, with the suspended Tah replaced by Schlotterbeck, Raum introduced for Mittelstadt at left back and Sane replacing Wirtz.
Germany fans take over Dortmund
It feels weird writing that they’re taking over Dortmund when it’s literally in Germany, but there are home fans everywhere.
Enjoy these snaps while we await team news. A big day for those in attendance.
Gundogan’s views on England
While we’re on England, we may as well stay with them and discuss their chances – everyone’s favourite activity right now.
Gareth Southgate’s men remain favourites to lift the trophy on July 14, and Germany man Ilkay Gundogan has had his say on their chances.
Never underestimate England. They finished top of the group and got the results.In these tournaments, that’s a massive thing. Getting the results gives you confidence and motivation to play better. It’s just about getting into the next round all the time.
Read more below.
Germany star Gundogan gives verdict on England’s Euro 2024 chances
Currywurst update
Our chief sports writer Oliver Holt has been assessing the Currywurst at every ground he visits out in Germany, and he has just had his eighth.
He is of course at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund, and has shared his views on his X account.
Just spectacular – the stadium and the currywurst.
High praise. And it’s in at No 1!
Could the hosts change their forward line?
Germany have, to be honest, scored goals for fun so far at the Euros.
Against Scotland it was one, against Hungary it was two, and Switzerland one. More will surely come tonight.
But they could come from a man who is yet to start at the tournament. Reports suggest Niclas Fullkrug is set to come into the side at the expense of Kai Havertz.
We’ll see soon when the teams are out, but it would be a big call.
It really could have been England…
On of Germany’s star men is Jamal Musiala. He was formerly one of England’s star men.
That was at youth level. Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-21. But he is now one that got away.
According to a report yesterday, Musiala was set to choose England, but for a late input from a Germany coach. His mind was then changed, and he instead played for his country of birth.
What could have been. Read more on that below before you feast your eyes on his class tonight.
Musiala ‘wanted to play for England before Germany coach changed mind’
It could have been England…
Germany topped Group A in qualifying, ending up drawing the second-place team in England’s group, which was Group C.
England, of course, topped their group. But it was only with five points, two ahead of Denmark’s three. It was all ifs and buts, but, had Denmark beaten Serbia on the final day of the group stage, it would have been England playing their old enemy tonight.
We beat them at Euro 2020 of course, but that was a first win in knockout competition in 55 years (!).
No need to worry about that, anyway. For now, at least.
Where we stand
So as I said, this is the second game of the knockouts. The first one is still underway – you can follow along by clicking here – with Switzerland currently 2-0 up against Italy.
You probably know by now that one side of the draw is a little bit easier than the other. Germany are on the hard side, alongside the likes of Spain, Italy and France, but have the talent to go through.
Should they win tonight, it will be Spain or Georgia in the quarters, which is a bit of a shame, really.
Germany in action!
Hello one and all and welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of Germany against Denmark at Euro 2024.
The knockout stages are underway and this will be the second game of those, with the holder in action with a bit of expectation on their shoulders.
They were impressive in the group stage – perhaps bar their draw with Switzerland with a few second-string players – and are now among the favourites.
Denmark, as we know from England’s group, probably aren’t as good as they were a few years ago, but still have the quality to upset.
It promises to be a good one, so stay tuned for coverage from Dortmund throughout the evening!
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