England's second game at Euro 2024 ended in disappointment after the Three Lions were held to a 1-1 draw with Denmark. Although the result leaves England top of Group C with one match to play, England fans in Frankfurt on Thursday evening booed the team off the pitch at the full-time whistle.
It wasn't the best performance by England by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, it was arguably their worst-ever showing in a major tournament under Gareth Southgate. After taking an early lead through Harry Kane, they retreated into their shells and Denmark took over the game.
While the England band tried to keep spirits up, groans around the Waldstadion became commonplace in the second half as England's large travelling contingent lost patience with the side. Things could have been even worse, too, as the Danes came close to winning all three points late on.
A damp end to a day of fun in Frankfurt
There was plenty of anticipation in the air before kick-off and the England fans in Frankfurt were in party mode. Despite fears, the England fans in Frankfurt were able to enjoy their day out without being involved in any violence.
While there were still airings of the infamous ‘ten German bombers' chant, most of the chanting in Frankfurt city centre was good-natured with both sets of supporters joining in with a rendition of ‘Hey Jude' at one point.
One incident which has sparked controversy online is a video of an England fan diving into a fountain in Frankfurt before kick-off. Some have found the incident inappropriate while others consider it nothing more than a bit of fun.
England fans enjoying the day out in Frankfurt. Diving into fountainsššš pic.twitter.com/xXyMK8FbEX
ā The 44 ā½ļø (@The_Forty_Four) June 20, 2024
England fans boo team off in Frankfurt – Southgate's reaction
Speaking to reporters after the draw with Denmark, Gareth Southgate acknowledged fan disappointment. He said:
“Of course, thereās a huge amount of work to do. Thatās evident from the two performances weāve given. We have to stay tight. We understand that people will be disappointed with the performances and rightly so. Weāve got to make them better.”
“It's clearly not gone how we would have hoped. At the moment weāre not using the ball well enough. We have to accept that if you do that, youāre going to suffer at times, as we have tonight. We know thereās another level that weāve got to find.
“I think weāve played teams that are quite fluid in back threes and itās not easy to put pressure on them. Weāve definitely got to do that better than we have in these two matches. Thatās been a big part of the problem but so has not keeping the ball.”