COPENHAGEN, Aug 18: Denmark inflicted England’s biggest defeat for 25 years with a 4-1 friendly victory before a delirious Parken Stadium crowd on Wednesday. Substitute Dennis Rommedahl started a blitz of three goals in the space of seven minutes with a simple tap-in on the hour mark, following a rash sortie by substitute keeper David James.

Rommedahl then set up the second for captain Jon Dahl Tomasson in the 63rd minute and substitute Michael Gravgaard was credited with the third in a goalmouth melee following a corner.

Wayne Rooney, England’s best player and who had had a goal disallowed and a penalty appeal turned down in the first half, got an 87th minute consolation goal before Soren Larsen rounded off the scoring for the Danes.

It was Denmark’s first home win in eight meetings over England since the two sides first met in 1948 and only their third victory in 17 meetings.

For the visitors, it was their worst defeat since losing 4-1 to Wales in Wrexham in May 1980.

Results: