England to face Danes

England have announced their first international of 2011 will be against Denmark in Copenhagen on Wednesday February 9th. The game will be a warm-up for England before their Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales at the end of March. The Parken Stadium in the Danish capital will offer similar conditions to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff as both grounds have retractable roofs.

It will be the first match between the two countries since 2005, when the Danes ran out comfortable 4-1 winners at the same ground. The game was remembered for a disastrous second-half performance from David James, who came replaced Paul Robinson at half-time and had a shocker.

England have made a decent start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign and are second in Group G, behind Montenegro. The public feeling against the national side is still a bit sore following the dreadful World Cup campaign and a strong 2011 will be crucial to regaining the full backing of the public again.

England's last match was the friendly against France in November in which they lost 2-1 following a limp display from a much changed side. Fabio Capello handed debuts to Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson and Newcastle's Andy Carroll during the France game and the youngsters may be given another chance to impress for the national side in Denmark in a game the football betting suggests the visitors should win.

Denmark had their own disappointing World Cup in South Africa, failing to qualify from the group stage. Their manager Morten Olsen recently signed a contract extension till the end of the 2012 tournament. They have started their qualifying tournament in similar mixed fashion to the English and find themselves third in an intimidating looking Group H.

This next two years will determine whether Capello leaves a legacy of success rather than the most expensive flop in England management history. A confident and assured display against the Danish will set the tone for the rest of the year and on into the all important European Championships in 2012. It will also give some fringe players the chance to really put themselves firmly in Capello's plans.

Meanwhile, the Portsmouth betting tips suggest the club could be in for another tough season.

They were relegated after entering administration last term, and they are struggling again in the Championship.