England vs Denmark: Instant Reaction

This midweek friendly gave Roy Hodgson the chance to look at the players he wanted to take to the World Cup, while also polishing off and experimenting with the tactics they will use in the World Cup. With that in mind, his first XI was a combination of players on the bubble and some possible starters.

4-3-3:

Joe Hart

Glen Johnson - Gary Cahill - Chris Smalling - Ashley Cole

Jordan Henderson - Steven Gerrard (c) - Jack Wilshere

Raheem Sterling - Wayne Rooney - Daniel Sturridge

It took England some time to get into the game, with the first 15 minutes spent trying to get in the groove. England saw plenty of the ball in the fist half but failed to do anything meaningful with it, numerous corner attempts also came to nothing. Sterling had one of the best chance to put England ahead, Ashley Cole's low cross went to Sterling, but a Danish defender managed to thwart Sterling's attempt which cannons back off the post. In the first half, the front three were static as they did not interchange positions half as much as they should and they didn't make runs to create space for others.

In the second half, Roy gave Luke Shaw his first international cap replacing Ashley Cole at left back. Shaw did not look out of place as he was tidy on the ball and was rarely troubled by the Danish attack, he also made some positive runs on the left flank, cutting inside and offer support out wide to try and make something happen. Denmark saw more of the ball early in the 2nd half, but they didn't really create any clear cut chances. England created several opportunities in the second half, with Welbeck denied by Schmeichel, and Sturridge with a strong effort but the keeper was equal to it.

Finally the goal that England was looking for finally came, a short corner was worked by Lallana and Sterling, resulting in Lallana's inch perfect cross that was finished by a header to the far post by Sturridge. That proves to be the only goal of the game, despite the win Roy Hodgson's men still have plenty to do in preparation for the World Cup. Their lack of decisiveness in the final third was apparent, and although it was few and far between there were times when Denmark's attackers manages to get in behind the defense. Against better quality (imagine Suarez, Cavani, Balotelli, El Sharaawy) England will likely pay the price.

What's your thought on England's performance? Have your say in the comments below!