Sturridge heads England past Denmark

England continued their FIFA World Cup preparations with a 1-0 win against Denmark at Wembley.

England, who had lost their last two home friendlies in succession – against Chile (0-2) and Germany (0-1) – were on top for much of the game. However, they looked set to be frustrated by Leicester City FC goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who has spent the majority of his career in England. They found a breakthrough eight minutes from time, though, in-form Liverpool FC forward Sturridge heading in Adam Lallana's neat cross.

It had not been all England, Jakob Poulsen going close to giving the visitors the lead only for Gary Cahill to clear after Joe Hart had been beaten. That came just before half-time, but there was still time for England to threaten, via Raheem Sterling – who turned Ashley Cole's cross against a post from barely a metre out – and Sturridge, whose shot was smartly saved by Schmeichel.

Hart was on hand to deny Morten Rasmussen just after the hour, but Roy Hodgson's men then moved through the gears. Danny Welbeck was twice denied by Schmeichel, who then palmed over Sturridge's rasping strike but could not get near the Liverpool man's cute header back across goal with eight minutes left.