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England national football team
International Friendlies
Mar 5, 2014 at 8pm UK
 
Denmark national football team

1-0

Sturridge (81')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Who impressed for England against Denmark?

After England edged past Denmark on Wednesday evening, Sports Mole assesses who made a positive impact for Roy Hodgson's side at Wembley.

England recorded a 1-0 victory over Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday evening as Roy Hodgson got a final look at his squad before having to make his provisional selection ahead of the World Cup finals in Brazil.

Despite opting to assemble a group of 30 players, Hodgson was only able to see 17 in action against the Danes, with several players making a case for inclusion in the summer.

Below, Sports Mole selects five players that made an impact for the Three Lions during a mixed performance against a team ranked 20 in the FIFA world rankings.


Daniel Sturridge of England celebrates his goal during the International Friendly match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium on March 5, 2014© Getty Images
1. Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge has scored 21 goals in 23 appearances in a scintillating season for Liverpool, but two goals in nine international appearances suggested that he still had work to do to earn a place in England's starting lineup.

However, after a busy display that saw Sturridge denied on several occasions by Kasper Schmeichel, the 24-year-old finally got his goal after a well-placed header from six yards found the bottom corner.

Sturridge may have been disappointed to end the night with just the one goal, but this performance, and his versatility in attack, will secure his place as one of England's four strikers in Brazil.


Ashley Cole of England runs with the ball during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying Group H match between England and Moldova at Wembley Stadium on September 6, 2013© Getty Images
2. Ashley Cole

Ashley Cole has found himself out of the starting lineup at Chelsea, but he continues to perform to a high standard whenever selected for club or country.

The left-back was only given 45 minutes on Wednesday, but during the first half, he was solid in defence while being a frequent threat on the overlap in attack.

The 33-year-old's place in Brazil is under threat from the emerging Luke Shaw, but Hodgson would have been impressed with the contribution of the defender, who moved to 107 caps for the Three Lions.


Adam Lallana of England shoots for goal during the international friendly match between England and Chile at Wembley Stadium on November 15, 2013© Getty Images
3. Adam Lallana

Adam Lallana has been one of the shining lights of an impressive campaign for Southampton, with several of the Saints' stars making their introduction on the international stage.

The 25-year-old was one of the few positives from England's defeats to Germany and Chile before Christmas, and the midfielder came off the bench on Wednesday evening to make another timely contribution towards his efforts to make the plane to Brazil.

After entering the action with 31 minutes to go, Lallana starred in England's second-half performance before delivering a perfectly-floated delivery for Sturridge to head home the decisive goal.


Raheem Sterling of England in action during the 2015 UEFA European U21 Championships Qualifying Group One match between San Marino U21 and England U21 on October 10, 2013© Getty Images
4. Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling hadn't appeared in an England senior shirt since making his debut in November 2012, but his performances for Liverpool in the early part of 2014 earned him a second game for Roy Hodgson's side.

The 19-year-old would have been disappointed not to open his England account from close range, but Sterling offered his team plenty of pace in attack in a performance that is likely to have earned him a place in the provisional squad in May.

Sterling would be unlikely to make the starting lineup in Brazil, but he could become a valuable asset to his country in the final 20 minutes in the intense heat in South America.


Luke Shaw of England (L) attacks during the 2015 UEFA European U21 Championships Qualifier between England U21 and Moldova U21 at The Madejski Stadium on September 5, 2013© Getty Images
5. Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw won't turn 19 until July, but after displaying a growing maturity in 50 Premier League appearances for Southampton, he has become a genuine contender to take Ashley Cole's place in Brazil.

Shaw replaced the Chelsea man at half time on Wednesday night and fitted into the back four with ease as England recorded their fourth clean sheet in seven games.

If selected, the full-back would only act as back-up to Everton's Leighton Baines, but Hodgson could decide that experiencing a World Cup at an early age will benefit Shaw later in his career.


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Daniel Sturridge of England celebrates his goal during the International Friendly match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium on March 5, 2014
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