Denmark vs Belgium: Euro 2020 team news and prediction

Belgium were one of the pre-tournament favourites ahead of Euro 2020 and they lived up to their billing on Saturday as they thrashed Russia 3-0 in St. Petersburg. They have won their last two meetings with Denmark and will feel confident of making it three on trot on Thursday evening. 

Ahead of this Group B match up, we provide all the vital pre-match information, including where to watch the match, what time it kicks off, key team news and probable XIs.  

When is kick off?   

Thursday 17th June, 17:00 GMT   

Where is the match?   

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen (Denmark) 

What TV channel is it on?   

ITV  

Last Meeting 

Denmark played Belgium back in 2020 after the pair were drawn together in the UEFA Nations League. In what is a good omen for the Red Devils, they secured a 4-2 win in November as Youri Tielemans put Belgium ahead. Jonas Wind bagged the equaliser with 17 minutes on the clock, but Roberto Martinez's side upped their game after the break. Romelu Lukaku's brace saw Belgium go 3-1 up. With four minutes to go, Nacer Chadli's own goal gave Denmark hope of a comeback, but Kevin De Bruyne put the game beyond doubt to restore Belgium's two-goal advantage. 

Team News 

Christian Eriksen is thankfully recuperating in hospital after his cardiac arrest on Saturday. The midfielder required life-saving treatment after collapsing shortly before the break and everyone at WhoScored.com is hoping he can make a full recovery. 

Timothy Castagne is ruled out of Euro 2020 after suffering a double fracture to his right eye socket against Russia, with Thomas Meunier set to deputise. Jan Vertonghen took a knock to his ankle in Saturday's 3-0 win and while not serious, Roberto Martinez may elect against risking the Benfica defender. Axel Witsel and Kevin De Bruyne will also be assessed ahead of the meeting with Denmark. 

Probable XIs 

Denmark (4231) - Schmeichel; Wass, Kjaer, Christensen, Maehle; Hojbjerg, Delaney; Poulsen, Jensen, Braithwaite; Dolberg.

Belgium (3421) - Courtois; Alderweireld, Boyata, Vermaelen, Meunier, Tielemans, Dendoncker, T. Hazard; E. Hazard, Mertens; Lukaku

Key Battle: Kasper Schmeichel vs Thibaut Courtois

Kasper Schmeichel kept an impressive 11 clean sheets for Leicester in the Premier League last season, the fifth best return. He has been a first team regular for the Danish Dynamite since making his debut for Denmark back in 2013. Following in his father's footsteps, the 34-year-old doesn't show any signs of slowing just yet, though he'll have his work cut out against this rampant Belgian attack.

In La Liga, only Jan Oblak (18) kept more clean sheets than Thibaut Courtois (17) in 2020/21 as the Belgian (76.3%) also finished second to the Atletico Madrid man in the save success rate standings. The Real Madrid number one has kept two clean sheets in two for Belgium since the domestic season ended and a third would all but secure their spot in the last-16 of Euro 2020. 

Score prediction: Denmark 0-1 Belgium