Denmark defeat holders England to reach last four

Denmark are assured of a place in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals following a 2-0 Group A victory against England.

The holders, unbeaten in a competitive game under coach John Peacock since their last group match of the 2009 finals, now need to beat Serbia on Monday to stand a chance of extending their title defence. Their attempts to retain the trophy were dealt a major blow by an impressive Denmark outfit, who triumphed courtesy of first-half goals from Viktor Fischer and Kenneth Zohore.

Slicker from the off, Thomas Frank's team were brimming with the joy and confidence gained from their opening win against Serbia. Though Hallam Hope, swivelling well to turn his man and shooting narrowly wide, had the first notable effort of the half, it was Denmark who set the tone.

Carrying on from where he left off on Tuesday, when he scored a late winner, Fischer was first to apply the finishing touch. Afforded all the time and space he needed, the classy No10 let loose from 25 metres with a shot which whistled into the top corner.

Denmark's second came via the totemic presence of Zohore, who shot low across Jordan Pickford after the most direct of counterattacks. That setback briefly sparked England into life but still they were second best, Hope's tame header and wayward shot the only fruits of their labour.

Fresh from Peacock's half-time advice, England at last began to stretch their opponents down the flanks that proved so profitable against France. Still, though, chances were at a premium until midway through the half, Max Clayton smashing the bar with a splendid volley before turning narrowly wide from close range 30 seconds later.

Dominant in possession until the final whistle, Peacock's charges could simply find no way through a dogged Danish defence.