Denmark defied the odds three years ago to reach the semi-finals and even gave England a scare at Wembley.
Yet, this time round the unfancied Danes head to Germany with little expectation on them outside of their own country.
They head to Euro 2024 with the backdrop of fans furious with boss Kasper Hjulmand for his decision to leave out Celtic star Matt O’Riley, while there is lots of pressure on Rasmus Hojlund to stack up to other goalscorers in Group C such as Harry Kane, Benjamin Sesko and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
As Denmark often do, they will relish their underdog status and not look too far in the distance as they prepare to cause England another headache when they meet in Group C, along with Slovenia and Serbia.
Here’s everything you need to know about Denmark, including how each side qualified for the tournament, their history in the competition and who to look out for.
Denmark are already hard at work ahead of the start of the 2024 European Championship
Who is the manager?
Kasper Hjulmand (2020-present)
The Denmark boss has come under heavy fire in his own country over the decision not to include Celtic star Matt O’Riley in his final 26-man squad.
It has been far from ideal for the Denmark manager to be batting questions on the national outrage around O’Riley’s snub, and he must now see his big calls vindicated when it comes to the opening game.
Denmark will be expected to come through the group as runners-up to tournament favourites England, but from there few would put much stock into Hjulmand’s side going much further.
What could work in Denmark and Hjulmand’s favour is that there is versatility in this group having used two different formations during the qualifying campaign.
Hjulmand has had his players switch between a 3-5-2 and a 4-3-3, giving them tactical flexibility depending on match-ups.
Hjulmand (right) has made some big calls and omissions and he must now see the results
Who is their key man?
Christian Eriksen (128 caps, 40 goals)
Hjulmand has not been shy in voicing his criticism as to how Man United boss Erik ten Hag used Eriksen in the season just gone and so expect the midfielder to get a much bigger role with his national team.
His last involvement in a European Championship saw him suffer a cardiac arrest on the pitch against Finland at the Parken Stadium in 2021.
While he is not the player he was before that traumatic injury, he will again be tasked with Denmark’s set pieces, as well as being one of their main creative sources for the likes of Hojlund to be supplied from.
Eriksen’s leadership is also going to be crucial with the fitness of captain Simon Kjaer remaining a source of debate back in Denmark.
Hjulmand is going to need big performances out of the likes of Hojlund, Andreas Christensen and Kasper Schmeichel, but he needs a big tournament from one of his veterans.
Christian Eriksen may not be the player he once was but he will need to play a starring role
How did they qualify?
A Hojlund hat-trick looked to have them off to the perfect start in qualifying when the Man United striker single-handedly dismantled Finland in a lopsided Scandinavian affair.
But Denmark were soon left stressed after a shock defeat by Kazakhstan, losing 3-2, was soon followed by a score draw against Slovenia, making it just two wins from their first four qualifying games.
However, Hjumland’s side were able to use their experience to rattle off five straight wins, securing top spot in Group H, even with a final round defeat by Northern Ireland after qualification was already secured.
It is the first time since 2004 that Denmark have qualified for back-to-back European Championships.
Rasmus Hojlund (right) scored a hat-trick in the opening game of their qualifying campaign
Fixtures (all UK time)
Denmark vs Slovenia, June 16, 5pm at MHPArena
Denmark vs England, June 20, 5pm at the Deutsche Bank Park
Denmark vs Serbia, June 25, 8pm at the Allianz Arena
Tournament history
2020 – Semi-finals
2012 – Group stage
2004 – Quarter-finals
2000 – Group stage
At the last European Championships, Denmark were beaten at Wembley Stadium by England
1996 – Group stage
1992 – WINNERS
1988 – Group stage
1984 – Semi-finals
1964 – Fourth place
Odds to win the trophy
50/1 with Sky Bet (10th favourites)
Confirmed squad
Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Anderlecht), Frederik Ronnow (Union Berlin), Mads Hermansen (Leicester)
Defenders: Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Simon Kjaer (AC Milan), Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace), Jannik Vestergaard (Leicester), Victor Nelsson (Galatasaray), Alexander Bah (Benfica), Joakim Maehle (Wolfsburg), Rasmus Nissen Kristensen (Roma), Victor Kristiansen (Bologna)
Kasper Schmeichel is going to need to produce a big tournament if Denmark are to go far
Midfielders: Christian Eriksen (Manchester United), Thomas Delaney (Anderlecht), Morten Hjulmand (Sporting Lisbon), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham), Christian Norgaard (Brentford), Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford), Jacob Bruun Larsen (Burnley), Andreas Skov Olsen (Club Bruges)
Forwards: Anders Dreyer (Anderlecht), Kasper Dolberg (Anderlecht), Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United), Jonas Wind (Wolfsburg), Yusuf Poulsen (Leipzig).
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