England's lacklustre game against Denmark leaves fans, pundits baffled

FRANKFURT, Germany: England's second underwhelming performance at Euro 2024 had pundits and fans collectively wondering what is wrong with the team, as many fear the pre-tournament favourites could be heading home sooner rather than later.

Gareth Southgate's side have one foot in the knockout stage as they top Group C with four points. However, it was the lack of fluidity in their 1-1 draw with Denmark on Thursday and the unwillingness to press that had fans booing them off the pitch.

Former England striker Alan Shearer called it a "very poor" performance.

"I didn't think England were under too much pressure coming into Euro 2024, but they are about to really feel it now," Shearer said. "England were booed off after, and the crowd were gone within a minute of the game ending, so that tells you the mood of the fans."

Angry England fans beat a hasty exit from the Frankfurt Arena while the delighted Danes were still cheering and dancing in the stands long after the final whistle.

"I don't know if they are being told to play like this," former England defender Micah Richards said. "They are lethargic - they need more energy and need to be more aggressive. We are constantly inviting pressure."

In the first half only Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka regularly ventured into the opposition's half, while many of the Danes virtually set up camp in England's.

Pundits questioned why players who press freely for clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City were sitting so deep.

"The current balance of the team is not allowing the players to reach the levels that they have done for clubs," former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand said. "It is baffling and concerning."

England fans were uniformly critical on social