No underdog mentality here, says Danish coach Hjulmand

Hjulmand's team have rallied after losing playmaker Christian Eriksen to a cardiac arrest in their opener against Finland with a win over Russia and knockout victories over Wales and the Czech Republic to put them one win away from the final.

"I don't like the underdog mentality... we are for sure not the favourites, of course, but our mentality is not to play football like underdogs, just defending and hope," Hjulmand told a news conference on Tuesday. "Our mentality is to try to take control and be proactive as much as possible, knowing that the opponents are strong and that in phases of the game we just have to work very, very hard to defend. Our mindset is not like an underdog, it is to create and to attack and to be proactive."

With the focus back on their football now that Eriksen is recovering, Hjulmand is relishing the prospect of taking on England on Wednesday at the iconic venue. "It's going to be a tough game for sure. We played against Germany before the European Championships, and I have always said that the best thing is to play against the best teams," he said.

"We have so many good players and we need these challenges and the mentality where we can beat whoever is in front of us, no matter who it is." The Danes respect England's squad of household names, midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg said, but they wouldn't let that affect them as they go about their task on Wednesday.

"I think England's overall squad, they're fantastic, their midfield as well and the guys that also aren't playing from the start. When you're able to bring on a Jordan Henderson, I think it's a big stamp of quality ... (but) we will try our best to bring the victory to our side," he told reporters. For Hjulmand, who had a modest playing career before going into coaching, a win against England and a spot in Sunday's final would be the pinnacle of his career.

"That's what we're dreaming about. I did not manage to do that as a player, but that's what we play for. Imagine if we could edge England at Wembley. It does not get any bigger," he said.