England and Denmark met in a crucial Group C encounter at Euro 2024 on Thursday, but many fans were more focused on the state of the pitch.
The playing surface at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt was the subject of much discussion on the BBC broadcast of the game in the U.K., and also drew the ire of many England fans on social media.
Within only a few minutes of kickoff the surface was cutting up, with huge chunks of turf being displaced every time there was a robust challenge. England full-back Kyle Walker was an early casualty, as he went down after turning his foot in a crater created when he crossed a ball into the penalty area.
After a change of boots, for longer studs, Walker was able to continue but by halftime the surface was littered with deep divots. Fans on social media pointed out that it was hardly in keeping with the standard of pitch that might be expected at a major tournament.
the pitch is literally falling apart in this England vs Denmark match at #EURO2024 😳
— Adam Wesley (@adambwesley) June 20, 2024
MORE: Follow England vs. Denmark live
Why is England vs Denmark pitch so bad?
Weather conditions, and the stadium design at Deutsche Bank Park, have both likely played a role in the state of the surface.
The stadium has a roof, which is not completely sealed. It is more of a canopy. Heavy rain in Frankfurt the day before the game meant the roof was closed, and with the humidity increasing on matchday, it seems that the moisture in the pitch has been unable to escape. That would explain the cutting up.
The surface appeared to hamper both sides too, with England's free-flowing football not in evidence as they were pegged back to 1-1 at halftime after Harry Kane had opened the scoring. The game finished level.
After the match, images shared on social media showed that groundstaff had been gathering up clumps of turf, highlighting how damaged the playing surface had become.
Buckets full of clumps of loose turf picked up by ground staff from pitch in Frankfurt after England v Denmark
— Dan Roan (@danroan) June 20, 2024
(pic by Mark Fleming) pic.twitter.com/PJDQqZaycD
