Danes avenge knockout blow

England 2-3 Denmark

Frantic start
In a frantic opening nine minutes, 18-year-old Wayne Rooney put England ahead, Martin Jørgensen levelled for Denmark and Joe Cole restored the home side's lead before Jorgensen equalised for a second time in the 30th minute from the penalty spot. An inspired Rooney hit the post in the second half before leaving to a standing ovation, but his team-mates were denied a draw by Tomasson's well-taken winner.

Excellent form
Denmark, well organised and oozing attacking flair, continued their excellent form from UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 2 and picked up a useful boost to team morale - even if their opponents were without striker Michael Owen, midfield players Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes, and central defenders Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand.

Rooney opener
Rooney sprinted on to a wayward pass and struck an unstoppable shot under the crossbar after five minutes, only for Jørgensen to level three minutes later with a fine volley as England's defence was similarly embarrassed. But England were back on top within a minute after Rooney fed a neat pass through for the onrushing Cole and the playmaker tucked a well-placed shot past Thomas Sørensen.

Substitutions in vain
On the half-hour mark, Matthew Upson tripped Jørgensen in the penalty area and the Danish forward gave goalkeeper David James no chance from the spot. England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson made a rash of substitutions at half-time but the fresh legs were unable to forge a route to goal - and Tomasson pounced late on to secure the visitors' victory.