Thomas Sorensen Exclusive Interview and Euro 2024 Predictions

Thomas Sorensen Gives his Euro 2024 predictions!

Thomas Sorensen shares his insights on Euro 2024, discussing favourites, predictions, key players, and Denmark's prospects.

🏆 Thomas Sorensen's Euro 2024 Predictions! 🏆

🌍 Favorites for Euro 2024: France, England, and Portugal

🥅 Golden Boot Prediction: Romelu Lukaku

🏆 Golden Ball Prediction: Kylian Mbappe

🇩🇰 Denmark’s Expectations: Hopes to reach the quarter-finals with stars like Christian Eriksen and young talents such as Victor Kristiansen

🔮 Match Predictions:

  🇸🇮 **Denmark vs Slovenia**: Denmark wins 1-0

  🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 **Denmark vs England**: Predicts a 1-1 draw

  🇷🇸 **Denmark vs Serbia**: Denmark draws 1-1

Thomas Sorensen Euro 2024 Predictions

Thomas Sorensen

101 Danish caps and appearances at Euro, 2000 and 2004

Q: Who will win Euro 2024?

TS: “I think there's three favourites for me, France, England and Portugal. It's going to be a tight one. I think it's Portugal's time now, I think they've assembled a team.

“They've still got Cristiano Ronaldo who did well in the qualifiers, but they've got plenty of young talent, Rafael Leao who's an exciting player as well as Ruben Dias at the back and Bernardo Silva. So overall. I think Portugal can win it.”

EURO2024 Betting Odds

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Q: Who will win the Golden Boot at Euro 2024?

Romelu Lukaku is Thomas Sorensen's dark horse pick for th Golen boot ahead of Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.TS: “There will be contenders and Harry Kane has to be up there as well as Kylian Mbappe, but I have a little bit of a dark horse who has been forgotten about.

“Romelu Lukaku, he's scored 14 goals in the qualifiers. I think in a group with Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine, I think he can get a fair few goals there.

“My money is on him.”

EURO2024 Golden Boot Betting Odds

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Q: Who will win the Golden Ball at Euro 2024?

TS: “You want just one of the best players to shine, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe could contest it. I would love to see a contest between those two, Mbappe probably shaves it for me.

“If France are going to do anything in this tournament, he has to be absolutely brilliant and he tends to be. So I'm probably going to say Kylian Mbappe ahead of Jude Bellingham.”

Q: Who are your dark horses at Euro 2024?

TS: “I hope it's Denmark, but I think Hungary. They've been undefeated for about a year now and they have some great players and seem to have a great team.

“Dominik Szoboszlai from Liverpool is their big star, but they've got plenty of other talent and they are a bit of a dark horse. I think Austria have done well in qualifying and recently under Ralf Rangnick, it’s a tough group but I see them potentially springing a surprise.”

Q: What are your expectations for Denmark?

TS: “I think that there's been a bit of a transition since the glory days of Euro 2020 when Denmark reached the semi-finals.

“The World Cup was a bit of a downer and it has been a little bit subdued. They qualified first in the group, but didn’t really impress in doing so. I actually was in Denmark and watched them a couple of times.

“I think the expectations are a little bit different going into this tournament. If we can go through the group, I think the quarter-finals would mark an absolutely fantastic achievement if we can get there. I think that's the ceiling at the moment. 

“But hopefully they turn on the jets and we get the same atmosphere as it was back in the day when they got to the semi-final against England.”

Q: Who will be Denmark’s star player at Euro 2024?

TS: “For Denmark’s star player you have to look at Christian Eriksen, but there have been a lot of question marks in Denmark because he hasn’t played a lot for Manchester United over whether he is still good enough?

“I think in our recent friendlies we saw when he was on and off the pitch that there is a big difference, he still binds the team together and Denmark need Eriksen to be in top form.

“We also need Rasmus Hojland. If Denmark are going to go far then he needs to be firing, he needs to be the top scorer and hopefully Kasper Dolberg can chip in.”

Denmark's star Eriksen, but how much involvement after a quiet season at Man Utd

Q: Which young Danish stars will attract Premier League interest?

TS: “A young Danish player that could attract interest is Victor Kristiansen, he actually plays for Leicester on loan at Bologna in Italy and they have just secured Champions League football.

“He's only 21 and he played the last two friendlies for Denmark as a left-wing back. I think he offers a lot in both directions. And again, at 21, he's a man for the future.

“And then Morten Hjulmand who plays at Sporting Lisbon who have just won the title. He's a little bit older, 24, but a great player on the ball. A little bit of a Christian Eriksen type of player, attacking midfielder.

“I think he could be a potential player that could go to the Premier League.”

Q: What do you think of the new Denmark kits?

TS: “I’m happy that the Denmark kit is being made by Hummel again, that’s what I knew as a kid and we had the Euro 1992 victory in their kit. Hopefully it brings us luck.

“I like the kit. It's like the England kit, they don't change much and they shouldn't. Just simple and just have the iconic colours.”

Q: What will Denmark fans bring to Euro 2024?The friendliest fans according to Thomas Sorensen - Danish fans in force

TS: “Denmark are always the friendliest fans I feel. And they bring an A-plus drinking game. They love to party and we're the home of Carlsberg.

“I know they've got a big camp set up down there and there are a lot of Danish artists coming down to perform and famous people turning up. 

“It's going to be a fantastic atmosphere. And it's so close to Denmark, it's just across the border which is different to the Middle East at the World Cup, this time there's going to be plenty of Danish fans.”

Q: What are your memories of playing at major tournaments and the Euros?

TS: “I was good and lucky enough to go to a couple of World Cups and a couple of European Championships. I think that's where you really feel the pride, you feel obviously the weight of the nation, but also it's a special experience. 

“Also to be with a squad for that long, you create some bonds that last a lifetime.”

Q: Who was the biggest character you played with for Denmark?

TS: “A player I played with during my youth was Thomas Gravesen. I think he was one of the biggest characters. A bit of a lunatic at times, but a brilliant player. 

“He obviously played for some years in the Premier League, went to Real Madrid as well and had a great career. 

“But yeah, off the pitch, he created some funny and weird moments. So you know, you need those characters in the game. Especially during a tournament, you need that laugh from time to time. You can't just be all serious and he definitely provided that.”

Q: What is your prediction for Denmark vs Slovenia?

TS: “In the first game of any major tournament you just need to make sure you don’t lose, Denmark had Slovenia in qualifying and drew 1-1 away and won 2-1 at home.

“They should be the better side and have more quality but they have some dynamic players and a star player in their goalkeeper, Jan Oblak.

“It's going to be a tough one but I think Denmark will just shade it. I'll be happy with a 1-0 to open up and get the three points.”

Q: What is your prediction for Denmark vs England?

TS: “Denmark will go into the England game completely differently to the Slovenia game as underdogs and I think that suits Denmark against the bigger teams.

“They can sit back, they don't have to really force it, Denmark are really strong at the back with Andreas Christensen, Jannik Vestergaard who has a lot of Premier League experience and Simon Kjaer.

“I’m not sure Denmark are going to win this one, but I think they can get a draw. I think that's realistic. I don't think it'll be a walk over for England.

“With my Denmark shirt on, 1 -1 would be a fantastic score, but yeah, it's going to be a tough one.”

Q: Stuart Pearce said a comfortable England win, are Three Lions players and fans overconfident?

TS: “I think there's a right for England to be confident. They've got the players, they went all the way last time and just got beaten on penalties.

“I think England have to expect to go far into this tournament. On paper, Denmark is a smaller nation. But life is not always that easy. I've known that through my career and I'm sure Stuart Pearce has seen that as well. So I can't believe he's tipped a comfortable England win.”

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Q: What is your prediction for Denmark vs Serbia?

TS: “Serbia have strikers who can make a mark, they’re physically tough but have had a bit of a down period, they’ll be looking to stamp their name on the tournament and surprise some people.

“Iff they are in a position to qualify and they have to get a result, may the best team win. I hope that Denmark potentially only need a draw, I’ll go for 1-1.”

Q: What might stop England from winning Euro 2024 this summer?

TS: “You're not judged in England until you win something. I think that's going to be the question. There's a lot of teams, like we talked about earlier, that can win the tournament. 

“In England, I think the expectation has to be to get to the final. You're looking at the attacking force they have. Obviously, Jude Bellingham has come through. You've got Phil Foden, who's had an amazing season. Harry Kane, who's on absolute fire. Bukayo Saka as well.

“I think the question will always be at the back. Can the defence hold out in the big games against Kylian Mbappe or Cristiano Ronaldo? Jordan Pickford, can he really deliver through a whole tournament? That's my only question mark.

“The expectation should still be for England to go to the final. Part of me is English in a way because I lived there for so many years. So I would love to see England win if it's not Denmark.”

Thomas Sorensen Profile

Thomas Løvendahl Sørensen (born on 12 June 1976) is a retired Danish professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper. 

He launched his career at Odense BK in Denmark before moving to English clubs Sunderland and Aston Villa, and wrapped up his playing days with Melbourne City in Australia. Sørensen holds the record for the most English Premier League appearances by a Danish player, with 364 matches. 

He also made 101 appearances for Denmark's national team from 2000 to 2012, ranking as the eighth-most capped player for his country.

Thomas Sorensen made 101 appearances for Denmark and played in Euro 2000 and 2004

Early Career

Sørensen was born in Fredericia and began his professional career with Odense BK. He then transferred to Sunderland of the English Football League First Division for around £510,000 in July 1998. He played nearly 200 games for Sunderland, where he is still held in high regard by fans. Career in England In 2003, Sørensen joined Aston Villa for £2 million after Sunderland faced financial troubles. He remained with Aston Villa until 2008 but left after a dispute with manager Martin O'Neill. He then signed a three-year contract with Stoke City, securing his position as the first-choice goalkeeper for three seasons, proving to be a key player for the team.

Later Career

Sørensen moved to Melbourne City in 2015 and played there until he retired in 2017.

International Career

Sørensen made his Denmark national team debut in November 1999, taking over from the iconic Peter Schmeichel. He was part of Denmark's squads for UEFA Euro 2000, the 2002 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2004, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He retired from international football in 2012.

May 2024 Interview

Speaking exclusively to OLBG, former Premier League goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has explained why he missed out on a move to Manchester United by a week.

The Denmark icon has also backed Emi Martinez at Aston Villa but admitted that his antics come close to crossing the line, while noting that the Argentina stopper backs them up.

Sorensen has also explained how Cristiano Ronaldo gave him nightmares while backing the Portugal legend to roll back the years at Euro 2024 this summer. 

Q: Did you speak to Sir Alex Ferguson when you almost signed for Man Utd?

TS: “Before I moved to Sunderland I had spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson because I had some trials at Manchester United through Peter Schmeichel.

“I think maybe a week after I had signed for Sunderland, Sir Alex called me and asked if I wanted to go to United, I had to tell them that I had already signed elsewhere.

“Then I had the chance to go to Manchester City while I was at Stoke as well. I did then hear about a chance to go to Barcelona but the opportunity fell.

“But I’m happy with the choices I made and I played for some great clubs and had some great times. I was always a club man and would never have forced my way out. I acted the way I am as a person and it got me pretty far.”

Q: What do you make of Emiliano Martinez and his antics?

TS: “Emiliano Martinez is doing incredibly well for Argentina and Aston Villa as well. I love the character he has.

“He sticks it to fans and he’s always on the edge, it’s always borderline, but he backs it up. When you do that in your performances then people will give you the benefit of the doubt to be a bit crazy and out there.

“I love it, the team needs it and the fans love it too. We can let him get away with holding trophies in weird ways and have a bit of banter with fans. He's a character, but it's not over the line for me.”

Q: You played against Cristiano Ronaldo, has he still got it?

TS: “I’ve got some nightmares from playing against Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as some good memories. He scored a couple of free-kicks against me and he’s still a top player now.

“Think there were question marks when he moved to Saudi Arabia and everything that went with that. But I think he's shown through the qualification that he's still got the quality. He still scores heaps of goals. 

“I think in that Portugal team with the talent they have, they don't necessarily rely on him 100% but he could potentially be an impact player off the bench.

“I think they've got enough energy and other legs in the team to cover for him. Which is different from what Erik ten Hag wanted him to do at United, where he wanted them to press.

“That's not where he is in his career. But as a goalkeeper, if I was coming up against him today, you know, I would still have huge respect for what he can do. 

“His finishing, he's still got that composure, he can still hit the ball. So give him the time and the space, he can still score goals and you've got to respect that.”

Q: Have you been surprised by Unai Emery’s success at Aston Villa?Aston Villa manager Unai Emery

TS: “Have I been surprised by Unai Emery at Aston Villa? Yes and no. He obviously took over from Steven Gerrard and with some additions, I think he's done a tremendous job.

“He has shown his quality wherever he's been. I know he got criticism at Arsenal but he's so good at getting the best out of players and putting the system in place. I think it's fantastic to see.”

Q: What can Aston Villa achieve in the Champions League next season?

TS: “the whole format changes next year. So it's not going to be a specific group. It's going to be like a league system, I haven't quite worked it out. 

“But I think for Aston Villa, I think the experience they've got this season in Europe, I think will serve them well. The travel, the pressure, the new demands, I think it will stand them in good stead.

“They’ll add a few more players to an already great group and they will be able to attract big names with Champions League football

“I think they should progress to the knockout stages at least and then anything can happen.”

Q: Will Aston Villa keep hold of Ollie Watkins this summer?

TS: “Aston Villa will keep hold of Ollie Watkins this summer. I think this season he has proven he is not just a goalscorer but a creator too.

“He has been tremendous all-round, to see the impact that a manager can have on a player, look at his stats before and after Unai Emery arrived and he is a totally different player.

“So I think it would be good for him, because he's still relatively young, to stay and progress and push Harry Kane for his starting position with England. 

“As time goes by then you can then think about taking the next step.”

Q: Can Sunderland push for promotion next season?

TS: “I hope to see Sunderland back up in the Premier League. 

“Having played there I know what the club means to people, I think so many people have watched Sunderland till I die as well, but it’s not that easy sometimes.

“I think that documentary showed that there's a lot of things that need to come together. Obviously, the owners, the manager, the finances, everything.

“They're getting closer. I think this season they were close and faded a little bit. Hopefully they can start building. It looks to be a stable ownership, which is great.

“I would love to see Sunderland back in the Premier League, I know how much it will mean to the people out there and fingers crossed it is the next two or three years.”

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Q: Can Stoke City push for promotion next season?

TS: “It shows how hard it is to get out of the Championship, when you go down you have to change the culture and change everything.

“But I think there are good signs at Stoke, at least late in the season when they only lost one of their last six games. There's definitely hope for next year. And they've got a great ownership.

“The family are there and so they've got a lot of stability. You just have to find it on the pitch and hopefully Stephen Schumacher is the one to get them into that playoff picture and then anything can happen. I think the pressure will be there next year to at least get into the playoffs.”

Q: Who was the best manager you played under?

TS: “I think the time that I look back on that was pretty special was when I first came to England. Peter Reid, a very old school manager, gave me the chance to come to England. 

“I don’t think he’ll be known as a tactical genius, but the way he got around things, the way he brought everyone together in a simple system that he created.

“He understood the player's strengths and just put that puzzle together in the perfect way. That was a great time. He is a good man as well who supported me greatly in my time while he was there.

“Then you have different managers, David O’Leary at Aston Villa, Martin O’Neill, Tony Pulis who was a bit like Peter Reid, very old school and tactically driven and defensive.

“That worked at that time when I was at Stoke. You learn something from all of the different styles, that’s football.”

Q: What did you make of Stefan Ortega’s match saving cameo off the bench?

TS: “I was in a similar situation a couple of times in my career at Aston Villa and at Stoke as well. It's tough to sit on the bench and it's tough to go through the season because you have to work as hard as the number one and you don't know when your chance is going to come. 

“It could be the last game of the season, it could be the first minute of the season and you just got to be ready. But Ortega showed that he had that mentality to come on and make such a difference, it's such a crucial time because you can literally say that those saves, potentially wins them the trophy.

“I think they need to send maybe a case of champagne to his house after the season if they win it.”

Q: Who is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League?

TS: “I think the Premier League has always been graced with good goalkeepers. The two top ones are the two Brazillians in Ederson and Alisson so it will be interesting to see who plays at the Copa America.

“I would love to see a bit more from Jordan Pickford, but I think that David Raya has handled things reality well at Arsenal since the debate over who was going to play. He weathered the storm when the focus was really on him to keep clean sheets.

“He deserves the Golden Glove I think for sure, the way he's kept him in games as well at the back. I think they they are definitely the ones for me at the moment including Emi Martinez

“I think it all comes down to personality. If that's the personality you are, you go for it. 

“If I look back at my time at Denmark, Peter Schmeichel was similar, a fiery guy who shouts and runs around, that was his personality.

“I did things a bit differently when I took over so you have to stick in your lane and do whatever makes you better. Both of those players have thrived off that energy but it wasn’t in my persona to do that.”

Q: Will Cristiano Ronaldo hand goalkeepers more nightmares this summer?

TS: “I would go to the length and say that Cristiano Ronaldo will definitely score at Euro 2024.

“He won the Golden Boot at the last Euros and I don’t think he will do that this time around, but if he can get two or three it will be a massive achievement at his age and it just shows how professional he is that he is still involved.”