The scoreline in Copenhagen was totally unexpected with the home side thrashing England, which was the visitor's worst defeat in 25 years, when they lost to Wales. Thank goodness the match was only a friendly, still that does not make the defeat any less painful. A question mark has to be raised over the international future of goalkeeper David James. It will be interesting to see if he is selected for his country again after a series of blunders in recent games.

There was little to write about during the first half, other than Denmark dominated possession in the opening period. England had a goal disallowed in the 35th minute when Rooney was judged to have fouled Nielson. Joe Cole had chipped the ball to Rooney who was marked by Nielson, and as the Manchester United forward broke free from the Danish player, he volleyed the ball into the net but the referee blew his whistle for what he felt was a foul on Nielson by Rooney. Minutes later, England were denied a penalty when Rooney had his shirt pulled in the box by Poulson, after Neville played the ball to his club-mate. Agger was impressive in stopping Rooney's efforts towards the end of the first half.

Both sides made changes during half-time but it was one of Denmark's substitutions who made an impact on the game. England had a free-kick 35 yards out from goal which Denmark blocked. With the ball down the other end of the field, James came off his line and Tomasson got by Ashley Cole and played the ball across to Rommedahl who was happy to put the ball in the open net. A mistake by James (who came on for Robinson) put England a goal behind. Three minutes later the home side were 2-0 up thanks to Tomasson who picked up a header from Rommedahl. England looked to be get the equaliser but Owen was blocked by Poulsen. Again on the counter-attack, Denmark, beat England's defence with another close range shot.

The Danes third goal came from a header by Gravgaard, with a deflection from Gerrard. The game was slipping away from England and they needed to restore some pride and prevent a worse scoreline. With three minutes remaining on the clock, Rooney pulled a goal back for England. Beckham played the ball in from the right and Rooney nipped in to put the ball past Sorensen. The feast of goals were not over however for Denmark and two minutes into time added on Larsen made it 4-1 having beaten Ferdinand, the Dane knocked the ball into the net after James came racing off his line.

Once again, England must go back to the drawing board and work out how to improve before their World Cup Qualifiers next month. This was not the start to the new season we had hoped from the national team, especially in a World Cup season, but all will be forgiven if the team comes out top in y next summer.

Teams

DENMARK:
Sorensen, Agger, N Jensen, Nielsen (Gravgaard 46 mins), Priske, Graveson, Gronkjaer (Rommedahl 46 mins), C Jensen (Perez 75 mins), Poulsen (D Jensen 87 mins), Jorgensen (Kahlenberg 46 mins), Tomasson (Larsen 64 mins).
Subs Not Used: Christiansen, Bogelund, Gaardsoe, Jepsen, Skoubo.

ENGLAND:
Robinson #1 (James 46 mins), A Cole, Ferdinand #5, G Neville #2 (Johnson 46 mins), Terry #6 (Carragher 46 mins - #12), Beckham #7, J Cole, Gerrard #4 (Jenas 84 mins), Lampard #8 (Hargreaves 64 mins - #16), Defoe (Owen 46 mins - #10), Rooney #9. (Full Squad)
Subs Not Used: Green, P Neville, Upson, Carrick, Bent.

Match Details

Colombia Goals: Rommedahl (60 mins), Tomasson (63 mins), Gravgaard (67 mins), Larsen (90+2 mins)
England Goals: Rooney (87 mins)

England Cautions: Johnson (80 mins), A Cole (85 mins)

Referee: Tom Henning Ovrebo (Norway)

Attendance: 41,438