England score late to win against Denmark

LONDON: Daniel Sturridge´s late header gave England a 1-0 victory over Denmark on Wednesday on a largely ineffective night for the World Cup-bound team in its final friendly before the squad is named.

The Liverpool striker netted his 20th goal in 28 games for club and country this season when he met Adam Lallana´s cross at the far post in the 82nd minute, making a greater contribution in a central position than earlier on the left wing. "It does not matter where I play on the field, it is about making a difference, making an impact," Sturridge said. "I will just keep trying to get goals and assists from whatever position I am in."

Although Sturridge had been repeatedly frustrated by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel´s flurry of saves, the English display lacked urgency and they only just avoided a third straight Wembley game without scoring.

It will hardly instill coach Roy Hodgson with confidence that his team can provide much of a threat in the far hotter Brazilian climate at the end of a draining Premier League season. "I wish you good luck in the World Cup," Denmark coach Morten Olsen told reporters after the match. "You need it!"

The English forwards struggled to find the space to pick their way through the resolute visiting back-four. "I´m satisfied with the way we defended but it´s not the way we want to play football," Olsen said. "We don´t have the power at the moment ... it was not such a good football game, I have to be critical." (AP)