LONDON, June 12: British Prime Minister Tony Blair praised England’s “professional performance” on Wednesday which won them a place in the second round of the World Cup.

Blair watched England draw 0-0 with Nigeria, just minutes before hosting a breakfast meeting with Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen of Denmark — England’s opponents in the next round on Saturday.

“Obviously he’s very pleased that England have qualified and thought it was a very professional performance,” Blair’s spokesman told reporters.

“They joked when the Danish prime minister arrived that they had not expected to meet just days before the two countries meet in the World Cup,” he added.

Later on Wednesday Blair was due to meet President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria. Obasanjo, whose eliminated World Cup team were packing their bags after the match with England, was due to watch a military ceremony known as “Beating the Retreat.—Reuters