Women’s World Cup: Denmark told to relish underdog tag against ‘superpower’ Lionesses

England face Denmark in Sydney on Friday with the winner likely to top Group D

Denmark boss Lars Sondergaard has told his side to relish being the underdogs against “superpower” England on Friday.

The Lionesses face Denmark in their second match of the World Cup, with the winner likely to finish top of Group D after both sides won their opening games 1-0.

European champions England are favourites for the game in Sydney and are one of the contenders to go all the way in Australia and New Zealand.

But Sondergaard has told his squad to not be fearful of their opponents and embrace the challenged ahead of them.

“Sometimes when you enter a match you are underdogs and you need to perform well against a superpower such as England,” he said.

“It’s easier said than done, but there’s a World Cup every four years, you don’t get many of these opportunities. It would be a mortal sin not to enjoy it.

“It’s a fantastic occasion for us. We are looking forward to the game. It will be difficult as England are a very good team, European champions.

“We are the underdogs, but still looking forward to it and we hope that there will be a surprise.”

Denmark are captained by star striker Pernille Harder, who has joined Bayern Munich this summer after three years at Chelsea.

As a result, Harder knows many players in the England squad, including the Lionesses captain and her opposite number tomorrow Millie Bright.

“I have felt Millie in training [at Chelsea]. She goes 110 per cent in the duels! She’s a great player,” said Harder.

“She’s tough. She goes 110 per cent into everything she does. It’ll be difficult but I’ll do everything I can do to also make it difficult for her.”

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