Danes cross fingers for injured duo

Denmark’s Jon Dahl Tomasson and Stig Tofting will undergo tests tomorrow morning to prove their fitness to face England in the World Cup second-round showdown.

But both are expected to take their place in a Danish side which is quick to point out that while they respect England they don’t fear them.

Confidence in the Danish camp is sky-high after they beat world champions France 2-0 in the opening phase.

Coach Morten Olsen confirmed the point today while at the same time talking up England after a light training session at the Big Swan Stadium in Niigata.

‘‘It will be a physical game,’’ said Olsen. ‘‘England are a fantastic team and they have to be favourites. I’m not just saying that, I really mean it.

‘‘They have big-match players who are all at huge clubs and are used to the pressure and that can make all the difference. That is so important in close games.’’

Olsen admitted his side had been practising penalties in readiness for the battle to go down to the wire but tapped his head and said: ‘‘It’s not really a technical matter. It’s all up here. They are two teams who desperately want to win and I think now the group phase is over we are going to see some marvellous football.’’

Olsen admitted that David Beckham, and his set-pieces, was the player they feared most but agreed he had not reached his best form so far this World Cup.

‘‘Maybe he would grow in the rest of the tournament but hopefully he will not do so tomorrow,’’ said Olsen.

The Danish team is likely to show two changes from the team which started against France.

Christian Poulsen misses the match through suspension after receiving two yellow cards and Martin Jorgensen is also out. Chelsea’s Jesper Gronkjaer and Everton midfielder Thomas Gravesen both look set to come in.

Denmark (Probable team): Sorensen, Helveg, Laursen, Henriksen, N Jensen, Tofting, Gravesen, Tomasson, Rommedahl, Heintze, Gronkjaer.