Kevin McCarra
at Old Trafford
After so many unhealthy weeks, English football needed a dose of naivety. Despite the result, this frisky match brought colour to the cheeks, even if some of it was the red of embarrassment for footballers who suffered callow lapses. At least the crimes that were perpetrated here are not of the type best discussed in police stations.
Sven-Goran Eriksson may conduct some investigations of his own into the porous nature of the team, but the work will not be carried out with great zeal.
After the uproar over the call-up and almost immediate ejection of Alan Smith from the squad on the day of his arrest, there could be celebration here of the reminder that footballers can be a delight rather than a worry.
Before the erosion of the many second-half substitutions, this was a match of substance between two teams who gloried in attacking but were reluctant to cover.
There were many positives for Eriksson. Joe Cole, for example, gave some indication that he is cut out for this level of football. His goal, putting England 2-1 ahead in the ninth minute immediately after Martin Jorgensen had equalised for Denmark, was more than just an enjoyable incident.
He executed his duties precisely as Eriksson would have wished. Emile Heskey's knock-down and Wayne Rooney's pass found a man who was breaking into their midst as planned. Cole stroked the ball into the net with a neatness which somehow still expressed exuberance.
He will be blamed for losing the ball to let Denmark initiate the move for their first goal, but several others ought to have retrieved the situation.
Although the diamond formation tends to leave space on the flanks, England were still slow to cover when Jesper Gronkjaer and Thomas Helveg ganged up on the unlucky Ashley Cole. The full-back Helveg got behind the home back four and delivered a cross which Jorgensen shot home slickly ahead of a static Gary Neville.
Frank Lampard, Cole and Rooney were the best of the England team and glimpses of thrilling talent sparked from the Everton teenager.
His opener began with his effort to complete a pass which only bounced off Helveg and rolled into the centre of the penalty area. Rooney dashed in to smash the ball high into the net.
There was a limit to the value of England's alertness in attack because Denmark proved to be a very capable team with enterprise of their own. David James only stopped them in the 14th minute with a bad foul, for which he was booked, outside the area on Dennis Rommedahl, who was hurt and had to be replaced.
There was no escape, however, for the England defence in the 29th minute. Matthew Upson could not complete a clearing header and then lunged to bring down Jorgensen as he pursued the loose ball. The impressive Udinese attacker smashed the penalty into the top corner.
As the game proceeded, Denmark maintained order better than England and Paul Robinson, who had come on for James, was frequently in action.
He made outstanding saves from Gronkjaer and Kenneth Perez, but when Jorgensen delivered a drive which bounced off the keeper's chest, Jon Dahl Tomasson tucked in the winner.
ENGLAND: James (Robinson 45), Gary Neville (Johnson 16), Terry, Upson, Ashley Cole (Bridge 45), Beckham (Jenas 65), Butt (Phil Neville 45), Lampard, Joe Cole (Murphy 75), Heskey (Beattie 45), Rooney (Parker 65). Subs Not Used: Mills, Walker. Booked: James, Johnson. Goals: Rooney 5, Joe Cole 9.
DENMARK: Sorensen, Helveg (Priske 45), Henriksen, Nielsen (Gaardsoe 70), Niclas Jensen, Gronkjaer (Lovenkrands 62), Wieghorst (Daniel Jensen 28), Gravesen, Jorgensen (Madsen 84), Rommedahl (Perez 19), Sand (Tomasson 45). Subs Not Used: Roll Larsen, Skov-Jensen. Booked: Daniel Jensen. Goals: Jorgensen 8, 30 pen, Tomasson 82.
Referee: V Hrinak (Slovakia).
