Bangers galore
Every day there seems to be a new screamer better than the last.
Morten Hjulmand’s cracker in the first half is the 13th goal in this tournament outside the area.
Which has been the best one so far? My vote goes to Arda Guler’s against Georgia.
‘First half should be a warning for England’
Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, at the Waldstadion:
If the Serbia game wasn’t a wake up call, then this half should be a warning for England. Denmark have a game plan and have been the better side.
150 Serbian Ultras reportedly try to get into Frankfurt fanzone
Mike Keegan, Mail Sport, in Frankfurt:
Reports 150 Serbian Ultras have tried to get into the fanzone in Frankfurt. Stopped by riot police.
Denmark dominance
The scoreline may not say so, but Denmark were dominant in that half, particularly after going behind.
In the 15 minutes between Harry Kane opening the scoring and the Danish equaliser, Denmark had 75 per cent share of possession.
For whatever reason, England just sat back and tried to soak up pressure after going in front.
It bit them in the backside…
‘Big test of Gareth Southgate’
Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at the Waldstadion:
This will be a big test of Gareth Southgate at half-time as he can’t let this go on. He will have to change something tactically or in terms of personnel
England fortunate to be on terms at the moment. They have been overrun for the last 20 minutes of this half.
HALF-TIME: England 1-1 Denmark
Phil Foden has a crack from miles out and it floats over the bar seamlessly, and that’s the last action of the half.
All in all, England have been pretty poor. However, it was all looking rosy when Harry Kane opened the scoring.
That only papered over the cracks, though, and Morten Hjulmand’s cracker from outside the area drew Denmark deservedly level.
In truth, the Danes should be in front, so England can count themselves fortunate.
Gareth Southgate has a big team talk coming up.
Every single England player is getting caught on the ball.
They look lost, John Stones is the latest culprit, and he is furious. There are just no options to pass too.
They have to sort this out, and quickly. They will be praying for half-time.
‘England are rattled here’
Craig Hope, Mail Sport, at the Waldstadion:
England are rattled here. Body language is lost. Denmark well on top. England are, at the moment, essentially playing with no midfield. TAA and Rice so deep to be sitting just in front of CBs. It’s inviting pressure.
England 1-1 Denmark
Finally, England get forward.
Phil Foden marauds through several bodies and has Harry Kane to the left of him as he approaches the area.
Surely he is going to pass? No, he doesn’t. Foden goes for goal and it’s comfortable for Kasper Schmeichel.
Why didn’t he pass?
England 1-1 Denmark
The pressure has not stopped since the equaliser, if anything, Denmark are stepping it up. England don’t seem quite sure what has hit them.
Joachim Anderson peels off at the back post from a corner and gets his head to the ball, but it dips just over the bar and onto the roof of the net.
England are really struggling.
‘Denmark deserve that goal’
Sami Mokbel, Mail Sport, at the Waldstadion:
Denmark deserve that goal. England have been poor despite taking the lead. A comedy of errors, really, culminating in the Danes leveller.
England pay the price
Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at the Waldstadion:
I was just about to ask why a team with as many good players as England is spending so long without the ball. And as I was typing we paid a price. Kane with the error in possession this time…
GOAL!!! England 1-1 Denmark (Hjulmand 34′)
It’s been coming!
England have been inviting Denmark on, and it’s a Harry Kane misplaced pass from his own throw-in that starts the attack.
The ball is worked to Morten Hjulmand and he decides to have a go from miles out.
And what a go it is, the ball smashes the inside of the post and hits the back of the net.
Very sloppy from England.
England 1-0 Denmark
England owe Marc Guehi for that one!
The Crystal Palace man flies into a tackle and the ball hits him and dips over the bar for a corner, which nothing comes from.
England are just sitting so, so deep, though. Denmark are enjoying themselves here.
‘England have just sat back slightly after taking the lead’
Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, at the Waldstadion:
Feels like England have just sat back slightly after taking the lead. Denmark are enjoying too much time on the ball but England look solid in defence.
CHANCE! England 1-0 Denmark
Rasmus Hojlund, you have to do better there…
Jordan Pickford is asleep and Christian Eriksen manages to pip the ball away from him.
He sets up Hojlund but the striker can’t sort his feet out and Pickford collects.
The England goalkeeper is a lucky man there…
YELLOW CARD: England 1-0 Denmark (Vestergaard)
Some respite for England.
Denmark are screaming for a penalty, but it’s a clear dive from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg ( a terrible one too).
Bukayo Saka then breaks and draws a foul from Jannik Vestergaard, which brings a yellow card for the defender.
Marc Guehi tries a sneaky volley at the back post from the free-kick, but nothing doing there.
England 1-0 Denmark
It’s been all Denmark since the goal.
Jonas Wind clips a ball into the middle trying to cause some problems but Jordan Pickford collects easily.
Declan Rice then tries to send Jude Bellingham away on the counter, but Denmark recycle the ball and get an attack going again.
England 1-0 Denmark
The Three Lions in the stands are in fine voice.
Since Harry Kane found the back of the net they have not stopped singing;.
England, though, have barely touched the ball since this game got back underway.
A good Danish reaction.
‘Goals change games’
Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at the Waldstadion:
Goals change games for sure. England were going nowhere fast until that mistake from Victor Kristiansen. Kyle Walker picked his pocket and now England have the lead.
GOAL!!! England 1-0 Denmark (Kane 18′)
HARRY KANE MAKES DENMARK PAY!
Captain Kane was never going to miss from there. He slides the ball home from close range to give England the start they needed.
The move starts with Kyle Walker winning the ball from Victor Kristiansen – who fell asleep.
Walker then races into the area on the right and tries to pull the ball back, it bounces off of two Danish defenders before falling to Kane who makes no mistake.
There may have been some fortune in it, but England won’t care!
England 0-0 Denmark
England are coming to life here in Frankfurt.
The Three Lions led by Declan Rice pressurise the Danish high up the pitch and the Arsenal man wins the ball just outside the area.
He then slides it across for Harry Kane who is never going to pass up on a shooting opportunity.
But his effort is blocked…
CHANCE! England 0-0 Denmark
That’s the Phil Foden we have been waiting to see!
He gets the ball just outside the area and manages to jink his way free into the box.
You just know he is going to try and bend the ball in, but leaning back he just fires over the bar.
That’s the bright spark this game has needed.
England 0-0 Denmark
Strong defending there from Marc Guehi.
He does brilliantly to race back and knick the ball from the toes of Rasmus Hojlund who is set to break free.
It’s a great tackle, but he does slip afterward. This turf really is poor, isn’t it?
Hojlund was offside, though…
England 0-0 Denmark
While the turf is cutting up way too easily, England cannot blame this poor start on that.
There has been no crispness to their passing whatsoever, and in turn, they are getting caught on the ball.
Not too much else to report on, so far.
England 0-0 Denmark
Uh oh, Kyle Walker is down on the turf…
Is he changing his boots, or does he have an ankle problem after getting his boot caught in it?
It’s the latter…
‘Sloppy start from England’
Sami Mokbel, Mail Sport, at the Waldstadion:
Really sloppy start here from England. Misplaced passes galore. England should have expected a quick start from the Danes but they look ill-prepared here.
England 0-0 Denmark
Harry Kane has already touched the ball more inside four minutes than he did in the whole of the first half against Serbia.
He is also dropping deep and hoping for runners, but so far, there have not been any.
Nice to see his boots are getting some use, though.
England 0-0 Denmark
Craig Hope, Mail Sport, at the Waldstadion:
Twice Kyle Walker’s studs have got caught in the turf here early on. He might need a change of boots.
England 0-0 Denmark
A very bright start from Denmark.
There’s a shot on target within the first 30 seconds and it comes from the boot of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
It doesn’t trouble Jordan Pickford, though, he collects the ball with ease.
KICK-OFF: England 0-0 Denmark
Before proceedings get underway, there is a minute of silence in remembrance of former UEFA general secretary Gerhard Aigner, who has passed away aged 80.
Now then, that’s enough build-up, let’s get down to business.
Bukayo Saka gets this one underway, can England get the job done tonight?
Here come the teams!
Would you listen to that noise!
Both England and Denmark step onto the turf with both sets of fans chanting their hearts out.
Now it’s time for the national anthems. England go first, and as usual, the supporters are in fine voice.
The same can be said about Denmark, but unfortunately, there are a few boos beforehand from the Three Lions fans…
It doesn’t knock Demark’s stride, though. Impeccable.
Hey Jude
We are nearly there…
How big of an impact will this man have? He is arguably England’s most influential player at the moment.
The man for the big occasion, he proved his worth on Sunday and could be key yet again today.
Let’s see what he has for us today…
‘Best pre-match atmosphere of any England game for a long time’
Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at the Waldstadion:
This is the best pre-match atmosphere of any England game I have been to for a long time. Compact stadium, closed roof, big game, loads of actual supporters. Fabulous.
Vibrant atmosphere in Frankfurt
Frankfurt is well, and truly, bouncing.
I mean, every single supporter in that stadium is having a whale of a time, just look at them.
I’m not lying when I say that the noise inside the Waldstadion is at near-deafening levels.
Brilliant scenes.
Families in attendance
England will have their close ones cheering them on today.
Jude Bellingham’s brother Jobe, and his mother, have settled down in their seats.
Also, Harry Kane’s wife, Katie, and Ollie Watkins’ partner Ellie are also waiting in anticipation.
Maybe we will see some more smiles later this evening…
‘Fair play to Southgate for sticking with his pre-tournament plan’
Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at the Waldstadion:
I would have dropped Trent Alexander-Arnold for this game as I think if we keep a clean sheet we win the game. But fair play to Gareth Southgate for having the courage of his convictions and sticking with his pre-tournament plan. I think England will win 2-0 regardless.
‘My concern is Alexander-Arnold in midfield’
Craig Hope, Mail Sport, at the Waldstadion:
I’ve got no real issue with naming the same team. I think it’ll be more than enough to win. My concern is Alexander-Arnold in midfield probably doesn’t win you a tournament. Also, Foden has to show more of himself here, regardless of position. Kane needs more involvement, too. Plenty of intrigue.
Final preparations
The Three Lions are going through the motions.
What will be going through their heads right now? It always intrigues me what they could be feeling this close to kick-off.
At least I know what I am feeling, though, and that is excited. We are just 25 minutes away from proceedings getting underway!
Gareth Southgate: ‘We’ve got to take care of things today’
Gareth Southgate, England manager, speaking to BBC One:
We’ve got to take care of things today. It’s about performing well and taking care of this game today. We needed to check all the players but we wanted that continuity. I think that breeds confidence in the group. We know that we did some things very well on Sunday and some things we want to do better.
I want him [Alexander-Arnold] to do the things he’s really good at. Everyone knows the range of passing he has. The ability to unlock defences. He did a lot of things well on Sunday and if he can add that final pass, final moment, he can cause Denmark a lot of problems.
Denmark fans in fine voice
The Waldstadion atmosphere is certainly building.
Danish fans are the driving force for the noise, they are having a great time in the stands.
There is a huge sea of red in Frankfurt, it is a sight to behold.
Bowen’s biggest fan
Dani Dyer didn’t look so happy on Sunday, but the same cannot be said today.
Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend, who is also the daughter of soap star Danny Dyer, looks in high spirits ahead of England’s encounter with Denmark.
Although Bowen may not be starting, he will want to make an impact off the bench like he did against Serbia.
‘England bus situation raises safety concerns’
Craig Hope, Mail Sport, at the Waldstadion:
England’s arrival at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt was slightly delayed as the team bus was forced to crawl through thousands of fans in chaotic scenes outside the stadium, with Denmark supporters making obscene gestures to the players just a few feet away.
The Denmark coach carrying their players had already arrived when the England bus approached the entrance 10 minutes later. However, there was no designated route or road arranged and it needed stewards to hurriedly clear a pathway through fans of both nations. Followers of Denmark took the chance to goad the England stars.
Gareth Southgate sat at the front of the bus and waved to Three Lions supporters, who were close enough to touch the official vehicle and take photographs of the manager and players through the windows. The situation raises safety concerns about why the bus was passing so closely through a congested area next to turnstiles and food vans and without a cordoned-off passage.
England’s players finally walked onto the pitch for a look around the arena 75 minutes before kick-off.
John Stones: ‘We can improve tonight’
John Stones, England defender, speaking to BBC One:
[We need to] build from the game the other day. We set a great platform and we all know we could have played a lot better in certain areas of the game.
We played them [Denmark] in the last Euros, came out on top, and want to do that again. What we’ve done at training we’ve looked at and hopefully, we can improve tonight.
We’ve got to use the ball better. After the game, we recognised straight away that we could have controlled the game a bit more. It’s always difficult in the first game. You want to get the win at all costs. Now it’s time to build and use the quality you’ve got.
On his centre-back partner, Marc Guehi:
Incredible. he didn’t show any nerves – I’m sure he was nervous! How he performed, the maturity he showed, hopefully we can go on and whoever plays keep clean sheets.
England boys are in town
They made it in the end!
It seems the bus did manage to push through the crowd as Gareth Southgate’s men have been pictured getting used to their surroundings.
Spirits seem high with some, but others have taken the more serious approach.
Whatever works for you, I guess!
England bus struggles to push through crowds
It is absolutely rammed outside the Waldstadion, right now.
The England team bus has just arrived and it could barely push through the crowds.
This really is just chaos, yet another display of poor organisation at this tournament.
Very tough job if you’re a bus driver…
‘A huge cheer went up among the Danish fan’
Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at the Waldstadion:
A huge cheer went up among the Danish fans gathered inside the stadium here when that goal went in for Serbia.
It could be a big goal for England but also for the Danes who need to be in touch with the top three places in the group whatever happens here tonight.
Serbia secure LATE point
This is fantastic news for England!
Serbia equalised at the very death in their Group C match against Slovenia to earn themselves a precious point.
Luka Jovic was their savior, and England fans will be loving him right now, and in turn Danish fans too.
Why? Because due to that result, with a win tonight England can win the group.
A big, big, goal…
Denmark Team News
There are some very familiar names in this line-up.
Denmark have made just the one change from their draw against Slovenia on Sunday.
Wing-back Joakim Maehle comes into the fold, while Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen keep their spots.
A strong Danish side!
England Team News – Unchanged
As we expected, England are unchanged…
Marc Guehi yet again takes his spot in the centre of defence next to John Stones, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is in midfield again.
Will this side do the job for Gareth Southgate yet again? I guess we will have to wait and see.
Danes arrive in Frankfurt
Kick-off is really creeping up on us, isn’t it?
Denmark are the first of the two sides to arrive at the Waldstadion in Frankfurt, and they seem in good spirits.
Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund has been snapped checking out the turf, will he be celebrating on it later?
Three Lions fans will hope not…
F1 England star is ready…
Wrong sport, George!
Football fever has taken over Europe, in all sports. Formula One driver, George Russell is even having a kickabout before the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.
I’d advise him to stick behind the wheel in the future, I’m not sure Gareth Southgate is making late call-ups.
A new midfield experiment maybe?
Slovenia leading Serbia…
Big news elsewhere in Group C.
The best result England could hope for today is a draw, but their hopes of one have just taken a massive hit.
Zan Karnicnik has just fired Slovenia into the lead against Serbia, which means they are set to move onto four points.
It means regardless of whether England win tonight, top spot will not be nailed on if the scoreline stays as it is.
If you want to follow our live blog on the match, click the link in the sub-heading.
It’s going to be a tense last 10 minutes…
Fan thoughts…
Maria, London: He is playing out of position but has Phil Foden ever impressed in an England shirt?
Anonymous: Southgate was never going to drop Arnold after one game but let’s hope he can play more than the 45 minutes he did first time around.
How long does Southgate keep faith with Foden?
Look, everybody knows just how brilliant Phil Foden is. There is a reason he won Premier League Player of the Year.
At Manchester City, he is a phenom. Last season was his best yet and many expected him to bring that form into Euro 2024.
However, whenever the England badge is on his chest he is not quite the same player.
On Sunday he really struggled. It’s fair to say he was practically anonymous for the majority of the 90 minutes.
He will need to be much better today, but if he isn’t, how long does Gareth Southgate keep the faith?
With a player that talented, you have to hope it clicks soon.
Frankfurt currywurst goes top!
Wow, we have a new number one.
After Tuesday’s disappointment in Leipzig, Oliver has been treated today in Frankfurt.
Although it won’t win any prizes for its looks, our Chief Sports Writer believes its taste warrants it to leapfrog the rest.
He did say ‘the aesthetics are not important’. And now I see why.
Unchanged team expected
Right, I will try and get serious briefly – there is a game to be played.
Mail Sport’s Sami Mokbel revealed that Gareth Southgate is set to name an unchanged side for tonight’s clash with Denmark.
This means that Trent Alexander-Arnold will stay in the middle of the park despite criticism on Sunday.
Also, Phil Foden will keep his place on the left. It’s fair to say he will need to show a little more than he did against Serbia.
What is your reaction to the expected line-up?
Oliver Holt’s currywurst tour continues
This might be my favourite storyline of the tournament.
If you have been following these blogs, you will know that our Chief Sports Writer, Oliver Holt, is attempting to eat a currywurst at every ground.
So far, Gelsenkirchen tops the rankings, but can Frankfurt topple the venture of England’s first game.
We will see…
Outfits of the day
International tournaments always bring cracking costumes.
When I am on live blogging duty, one of my favorite parts of the job is to look at the best fan outfits.
Without fail, there are always a few very creative ones, and here are a few of today’s best in Frankfurt.
It took me a while to figure out the photo below wasn’t actually King Charles…
Spitting image, right?
Ready to make a splash!
I’m guessing this lad has had a few of those aforementioned beers…
The England fans have been making themselves heard in Frankfurt and are enjoying life before tonight’s big match.
It must be hot over there, though, as one particular fan wanted a quick dip to cool off.
You just love to see it!
The beers are back…
I bet some England fans are happy at this news.
Due to the nature of the Three Lions’ opening game against Serbia, the only beer on offer at the Veltins-Arena was low alcohol.
Not today, though, the alcoholic beverages are back on offer in Frankfurt, and I know that will please some England fans.
They will taste even sweeter if Gareth Southgate’s men get the job done this evening.
‘England, it’s never coming home’
Fighting talk from the Danish…
It’s fair to say that Denmark are not backing England to return from Germany with the trophy.
Although I shouldn’t like the song as an Englishman, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t catchy.
If I am being picky with the chant, though, it is technically wrong. Football has already come home back in 1966.
They should add a quiet ‘again’ at the end…
Gareth Southgate: ‘Winning matches in tournaments is incredibly hard’
Gareth Southgate, England manager, speaking on Wednesday:
I’ve been in this environment for eight years so I understand it all. Winning matches in tournaments is incredibly hard. In this tournament, you’ve now got incredible support for all the teams in the stadiums as well which is a little different to the last two tournaments.
We’ve had some good results over the years so maybe even we take results for granted, I should let the boys enjoy it more than they do. I hope they have a little bit longer than me!
There should be more joy in it but it’s not my reality if I’m frank. My focus is to get qualified from the group, two tough opponents, and two games to achieve that.
We’ve been here before…
Well, sort of.
All England fans will remember the last time these two sides met at a major tournament – it was only three years ago.
It was during the last European Championship, and while every game in this tournament is important, in 2021 the stakes were even higher.
It was the semi-final at Wembley, there was so much on the line. England in the end got the job done but it took extra time.
After conceding for the very first time in the tournament, the Three Lions turned it around thanks to Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.
That was the point everybody thought it was coming home, but we all know what happened in the final.
Calm before the storm
I mean, wow, what a setting.
I must admit, I have been mightily impressed by all the stadiums Germany has had to offer so far.
Frankfurt’s Waldstadion is no different, it is a sight to behold and can hold nearly 60,000 fans.
It seems very calm now, but it will be a cauldron of noise very soon!
Let’s get down to business!
Thank you for the kind words Tamara!
Unfortunately for all of you, you are going to have to put up with me for the next few hours.
I can’t lie, I am very excited about this one. The sun is shining through my window and there is nothing better than covering the Three Lions.
We have two-and-a-half hours until the ball gets rolling, so there is plenty more time for build-up.
So, let’s keep the momentum going!
Seeing you through past the final whistle…
I’m heading off now, but I leave you in the more-than-capable hands of my colleague Harry Bamforth.
He’ll be in charge for when team news drops, your minute-by-minute coverage, and all the reaction after full-time.
Early team news: Gareth Southgate keeps the faith
Neither Alexander-Arnold nor Phil Foden dazzled during England’s opener, but the head coach has stuck rather than twisted with his selected starting XI to face Denmark.
Mail Sport’s Sami Mokbel explains his thinking, below.
Up go the Denmark flags north of the border this afternoon
On the heels of their draw with Switzerland, Mail Sport picked out Scotland fans to discuss the ultimate Faustian bargain: could they see England success if it came alongside their own?
Results were… pretty straightforward, actually!
You can watch eye-opening video, below.
Not to be outdone…
… by a sea of white and red, Denmark fans have painted the city in red and white.
Makes it all quite amicable – although, somewhat confusing for the uninitiated.
WATCH: Mail Sport’s Craig Hope and Sami Mokbel reporting from inside the England camp
With less than 24 hours to go, the England experts discussed Southgate’s last press conference before the clash, team news, and more in the latest episode of ‘Inside England’.
Give it a watch, below.
Elsewhere in England’s group…
It’s all kicking off. Serbia – who are due to face Slovenia at 2pm – have threatened to withdraw from the competition altogether after Croatia and Albania fans chanted ‘Kill all Serbs’ during their clash yesterday afternoon.
Serbia are facing their own disciplinary action from UEFA over reported racist chanting during their opening tie with England, but are apparently incensed by a perceived lack of action from the governing body in the wake of the chants.
You can get a clearer look at the unfolding picture, below.
How Group C stands ahead of the day’s kick-offs
Looks good, doesn’t it?
Denmark could find themselves in real trouble if either Slovenia or Serbia can push for a win, and they can’t get the better of Southgate’s side.
Revealed: How England can qualify for Euro 2024 last-16 TODAY
Not to get ahead of things but… let’s just get ahead of things, for a moment.
There are a number of different ways that England can make it through the group stages, after successfully navigating past Serbia on Sunday.
We explore them all, below.
WATCH: Mail Sport’s Craig Hope shares his Thursday predictions
How will Mystic Craig fare today?
Yesterday’s results were majority correct – their outcomes, at least – so have a gander below to see if the Mail Sport expert can improve upon a strong showing.
The party’s started in Romerberg Square
Fans have been streaming into Frankfurt’s historic market square to kick-off the festivities ahead of… kick-off.
Fan in a fountain? One of the most logical images in the major tournament pantheon. Majestic.
Shots fired by Niclas Fullkrug
… who gave the short shrift to a reporter asking if he had been wowed by the England lynchpin.
It’s quite the take on the heels of Germany emerging as a major player at their tournament, with many hoping for a potential clash between the two favourites in the knockout stages.
That being said, Fullkrug could be experimenting with a dash of deadpan humour. The striker would have played against the then-Dortmund midfielder during his spell at former club Werder Bremen, and had ample time to watch the prodigal up close.
Good afternoon!
The bones of England’s opening win against Serbia on Sunday evening thoroughly picked clean, it’s finally time for England’s second group stage game of this Euros, with Gareth Southgate’s side gearing up to face Denmark.
These two sides have recent torrid history, with Denmark swept aside by the home side in their Euro 2022 semi-final at Wembley, and with Denmark being held to a draw by Slovenia in their Group C opener, the Danes will be hungry for a statement win.
So too will England – victory in Frankfurt this afternoon will not only guarantee the Three Lions a spot in the knockout stage ahead of schedule, but silence roiling criticism after their less-than-scintillating opening game.
Context, provided, let’s get underway – we’ve just over four hours until the 5pm kick-off, but in the meantime, we’ll be bringing you all the build-up, team news, and more ahead of the hotly anticipated clash.
Key Updates
-
HALF-TIME: England 1-1 Denmark
-
GOAL!!! England 1-1 Denmark (Hjulmand 34′)
-
GOAL!!! England 1-0 Denmark (Kane 18′)
-
KICK-OFF: England 0-0 Denmark
-
England Team News – Unchanged
-
Early team news: Gareth Southgate keeps the faith
-
WATCH: Mail Sport’s Craig Hope shares his Thursday predictions