Brentford Head Coach, Thomas Frank is backing England and Denmark to enjoy a successful UEFA Euro 2024.
Frank is that slightly amusing situation from a managerial perspective of seeing his home country – Denmark in the same group as England, where he is in charge of Brentford, with the pair set to meet in their second Group C match on 20 June at 6pm CEST (5pm UK Time).
Looking ahead to that game for Brentfordfc.com, Frank tipped his home team to win the match but he added that he wants England to win the tournament if the Danes fail to go all the way.
“I, of course, hope Denmark win that game!
“But I actually hope and think England can go the whole way. So, if it can’t be Denmark, which may be unlikely, I really hope England win it.”
Frank will be part of BBC’s punditry team for that match meaning that he will likely face questions on his Brentford striker, Ivan Toney, and the Dane admitted that he “definitely need to” call Toney to send his congratulations on the forward’s call-up to the official squad.
Denmark’s two other group matches will be live on ITV in the UK and Frank has vowed to watch as much as he can, due to Brentford’s pre-season commitments commencing in early July taking priority as the tournament hits the knockout stages.
“I’ll, of course, be watching it. There were years when I watched everything – I don’t think I’ll do that this year. But I will definitely stay on top of things and follow the tournament.”
Although he fancies England to go one step further and lift the title this time after finishing runner-up to Italy in Euro 2020, Frank is excited to see if Denmark can go further than they did last time round as they were knocked out in the semi-finals by England after extra-time.
“With Denmark, even though I’m a head coach, a professional in football, I’m more emotional and I think with my heart over my head, which is a good thing! I hope we go all the way.
“Being friends with Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand and Chris Haslam [Brentford head of athletic performance; also fitness coach with Danish national team], it means even more that it goes well. But I always love the national team anyway, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Eight Brentford players – including David Raya who spent last season on loan at Arsenal – is heading to the Euros with five different countries, and Frank is hopeful that they all enjoy a positive tournament.
Every time players go away with their national team, wherever they play – World Cup, European Championships, Copa America – I always hope it goes well for them and hopefully that is the case this summer.”
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