Sturridge stands out as England romp to 4-0 victory

Stuart Pearce insisted England still had plenty of room for improvement despite watching them romp to a crushing win over Under-21 European Championship hosts Denmark in Viborg last night.

Pearce's youngsters rediscovered their ruthless streak ahead of this summer's finals, having failed to win – or score in – their previous three matches. However, although they clinically took advantage of defensive mistakes made by the Danes, England produced a string of their own which went unpunished.

Pearce said: "I was pleased with the result and the clean sheet, but I was disappointed with the first-half performance as we didn't play particularly well and we were too open in midfield and allowed the opposition too many chances.

"In the second half, I thought we improved. In international football, to win a game is hard work, make no mistake. To win 4-0 away from home, I am very pleased with."

England's strikers looked particularly sharp, with Danny Welbeck, Scott Sinclair and Daniel Sturridge all finding the net before Jordan Henderson slotted in the visitors' fourth goal. Bolton's on-loan Chelsea forward Sturridge stole the show, as Pearce acknowledged. He said: "Sturridge was outstanding."

England (4-4-2): McCarthy; Naughton, Smalling, Richards (Tomkins, 5), Bertrand; Henderson (Delfouneso, 79), Cleverley (Cork, 79), Muamba (Albrighton, 88) Sinclair (Rose, 67); Sturridge (Wickham, 87), Welbeck (McEachran, 67). Substitutes not used Loach (gk), Bennett.