Schmeichel seems to possess the full complement of essential goalkeeping attributes: commmanding in the box, an excellent shot-stopper and an uncanny ability to make himself appear larger than the goal when confronting an approaching forward.

More than this, Schmeichel is a leader who tirelessly, often aggressively, barks instructions to defenders. Despite being, undeniably, in the twilight of his career, he is still capable of deciding matches in the Danes' favour.

He has made an impressive 118 appearances for his country with his first coming against Hungary in October 1988.

A talismanic figure, he will bear much of the burden of motivating them to the heights achieved in Euro 92 when they ran out surprise winners.