As we build up for England's first game of the year against Denmark at Wembley on 5 March, we look back at a classic meeting with the Danes over 30 years ago...
The Danes deserved their first win at Wembley, which was watched by 82,000 on a September evening in 1983.
The result also made them firm favourites to qualify from Group Three for the European Finals in France.
England v Denmark
8pm, Wednesday 5 March 2014
Wembley Stadium
www.TheFA.com/tickets
The Danes showed their sharpness by nearly scoring in the first minute, a 19-year-old Michael Laudrup hitting the side-netting with only Peter Shilton to beat.
They looked more confident than their English hosts and their good play was rewarded with what turned out to be the match-winning goal on 37 minutes.
Phil Neal handled the ball during a scramble in the box, the Belgian referee pointed to the spot and Allan Simonsen sent Shilton the wrong way with his kick. Simonsen netted nine goals in 16 League appearances for Charlton Athletic.
England failed to improve after the break, their slow build-ups easily dealt with by a competent Danish defence, and the home fans’ frustration grew as they cleverly kept possession.
But England almost grabbed a priceless point near the end. Watford’s Luther Blissett had come on as a late substitute for Sammy Lee and he blasted in a shot that the Danish ‘keeper blocked with his knees, despite knowing little about it.
England did win their last two qualifiers, against Hungary (3-0) and Luxembourg (4-0), but Denmark’s victory in Greece meant that they pipped England for top spot.
They proved themselves to be one of the best European teams by reaching the semi-finals in France, losing on penalties to Spain.
