England encouraged to change set-up vs Denmark and copy Arsenal – ‘They do it really well’

Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson has urged England to adopt one particular aspect of Arsenal’s style for their Euro 2024 clash with Denmark. Despite beating Serbia 1-0 win in their curtain-raiser on Sunday, the Three Lions appeared sluggish for parts of the game after Jude Bellingham’s goal, which proved decisive.

This especially showed in a lacklustre second-half performance, which allowed Serbia back into the contest and sparked some concern. However, Upson – who lifted the Premier League trophy at Highbury in 2003 – believes emulating Arsenal’s exceptional work ethic and high-pressure tactics could prove crucial in their Group C encounter against the Danes.

Speaking to football.london (via Luckyblock.com), he said: “I would like to see us be a little bit more high energy and probably aggressive out of possession,” adding: “I think that’s the one big thing that is such a powerful tool. If you look at the teams that have been successful this season, their high press, their ability to [use] their wide players and midfield to go and get after teams. Arsenal do it really, really well.”

There is no denying Arsenal’s near miss at clinching the Premier League crown this past season for the second consecutive year, with Mikel Arteta falling just short of his title hopes. Nevertheless, the Spanish manager continues to receive praise for the impressive programme he has established at the Emirates Stadium, reports Football London.

Former England international Upson also suggested Gareth Southgate’s side could learn a thing or two from Ralf Rangnick’s Austria. Despite losing 1-0 to European giants France in their own opening fixture, the former West Ham and Stoke City centre-back has been mightily impressed by Austria’s organisation under the ex-Manchester United boss.

Speaking after watching France’s narrow win in Dusseldorf, Upson praised the underdog team for their tenacity: “Austria have got nowhere near the quality, but they’re a good team. [Rangnick] has got them horrible to play against.

“They get after people, they’re fit, they’ll make life difficult, and I think I think that’s the one thing that could really make England a much tougher team to play against.”

The Three Lions sit two points clear at the top of their group and are guaranteed a top-two finish if they can secure victory in Frankfurt on Thursday. Denmark, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing draw with Slovenia, where they conceded a late deflected equaliser.

Upson – who earned 21 caps for England and scored their only goal in a 4-1 round-of-16 defeat to Germany at the 2010 World Cup – believes a more proactive approach could be key at Euro 2024. Southgate boasts an impressive array of attacking talent that often devastates in possession, but Upson warned a lack of energy off the ball could be England’s downfall this summer.