Following is reaction after Denmark’s 1-1 draw with England in their Euro 2024 Group C match on Thursday, with goals from Harry Kane (England) and Morten Hjulmand (Denmark).
England defender Kyle Walker: “Sometimes you have to take your hat off to great goals. But we’re top of the group, so let’s take the positives.
“Let’s take it as a well-deserved point and we move on to the next game. We know we can do better. We’ve got another gear.
“I cannot stand here saying it was a fantastic performance.
“Collectively, we need to know when to go or when not to go. We have to go as a full team and that is something we need to practice because you come to the knockout stages and slight things like that can cost you.
“Our build-up play can be better. And making sure the second ball is our ball. Each individual player is representing their country so they are going to give their blood, sweat and tears and we are doing the exact same.”
England striker Harry Kane: “We can be better with and without the ball; I think the sign of a good team is not being at your best and still getting a result. We’re all but qualified and that’s the number one objective. I’m sure there’ll be loads of noise and disappointment back home, but it’s time to stay calm.
“I think it’s something we’ve got to get better at. I think we’re starting games well, but when the teams are dropping deeper we’re not quite sure how to get the pressure on and who’s going.
“In the second half, we tried to change a little bit but it was difficult. Credit to Denmark, they caused us some threats. Overall we’ve got to look back and see where we can improve.”
Denmark midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: “I would have traded it (player of the match award) for three points. We played well, we played smart, annoying that we couldn’t get one to go in. We have a lot we can take with us, we have to keep looking ahead and do it, we have time.
“We have to keep building and then play in the way we played today. Today, we started well, we continued to battle well, and I think we finished well. Next time, we will win.”
Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand: “It hasn’t quite dawned on me yet – to score a goal for Denmark at a major finals is really, really big, so of course I’m proud.
“They (the fans) were tremendous, they dominated in the stands.”
England defender Kieran Trippier: “Very proud to get 50 caps for my country, but my main focus is the result – it wasn’t there for us tonight.
“Four points, two games, and we know there is so much to improve on. We stay will calm, stay positive and stay together – that is the most important thing.
“We understand the supporters’ frustration from the outside, but as a staff and a team we need to stay together. It is tournament football, it is difficult no matter who you play against.
“We know as players we can take it up so many levels. There is no need to panic, the performances we know we can do better. One game left in the group and we look forward to that one.”