17.08.2005 - Anfield pair feature as England thrashed
Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were involved in England's friendly in Denmark, as Sven Goran Eriksson's men went down to England's heaviest defeat for 25 years.
With the exception of the missing Michael Owen, Eriksson opted for the side he regards as his strongest XI, but they were unable to trouble the Danes in the first half, which ended goalless.
Changes at half time included the introduction of former Reds' keeper David James, and it was his mistake which led to the first goal, after he raced out to the edge of the 18 yard box, but failed to gather the ball, which was crossed in for Dennis Rommedahl to slot into an empty net from a yard out.
Within seven minutes, England were 3-0 down, thanks to two more quick goals from Jon Dahl Tomasson, and Michael Gravgaard.
Wayne Rooney netted a consolation with a couple of minutes remaining, but Denmark regained their three goal advantage in stoppage time through Soren Larson.
While Eriksson is likely to be criticised over the result and the performance of his players, the England head coach is also likely to come under fire for the way several of his players were used for what most consider to be a meaningless match to fit into the busy domestic calendar at this stage of the season.
Steve Gerrard played 84 minutes before being taken off, depsite a long trip to Bulgaria last week, with another European trip with Liverpool next week, and three other club games to play in between those two matches, while Ferdinand and Rooney are both also involved in the third qualifying round of of the Champions League with Man United, and also have a more congested club fixture list than most of the squad.
England's next competitive game is against Wales on September 3rd.
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