Why Mads Hermansen's Denmark 'certainty' didn't happen vs Norway - it will next time

West Ham United's Mads Hermansen isn't assured of his Denmark role.

The 26-year-old evolved into West Ham's starting goalkeeper during the final months of last season.

Following the Hammers into the Championship, he's started every single one of the opening eight second-tier games this term.

Hermansen has also been representing Denmark for many years, across both youth and senior international levels.

But now that he's a goalkeeper outside of a top-flight league, that could have the potential to impact his standing in the Danish national pool.

Ahead of the Danes' opening Nations League group game against Norway, however, there was a clear feeling in Denmark as to what his role should be.

Did Mads Hermansen feature in Norway vs Denmark?

For many years, Denmark's undisputed number one goalkeeper was Kasper Schmeichel.

The former Celtic and Leicester City shot-stopper won 120 caps for his national side between 2010 to 2026.

However, the 39-year-old was forced to retire in May this year after a devastating shoulder injury, ushering in a new goalkeeping era for Denmark.

As revealed in a report via Danish outlet Campo, reporter Emil Andersen captures the feeling that Hermansen would be his natural successor.

"Filip Jørgensen in goal? Most people had certainly expected that Mads Hermansen would eventually take that position after Kasper Schmeichel's injury," he said.

"Prior to the start of the match, Brian Riemer reported that there is close competition between the two, but that for tactical reasons he chose to go with the on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper for today's match."

Denmark lost the game against Norway 3-2, with the Danes initially having came back from two goals down to level the scores.

But how did Jorgensen do between the sticks, and what does it say for Hermansen's chances of minutes during this international break?

Why Hermansen will surely take gloves from Jorgensen vs Wales

Hermansen may have had to watch Denmark's defeat from the sidelines on Thursday, but that's unlikely to be the case on Sunday.

The Danes' next game is against Wales on Sunday, and it's vital they get a win on the board in order to keep pace with Norway and Portugal.

Jorgensen didn't cover himself in glory in the Danish goal in Oslo, on a night where Hermansen's stock has surely risen without needing to do anything.

Per FotMob, Jorgensen faced an expected goals on target (xGOT) number of 1.56 against Norway, but conceded three.

He prevented -1.44 goals and was only accurate with two of his six long ball attempts.

The Chelsea goalkeeper (on loan at Strasbourg) made zero high claims or punches, and made just the two diving saves.

Overall then, it wasn't a performance that should cement him as Denmark's number one, and Hermansen can expect to come into the side for Wales.