England Women 2 Denmark 0 – Report and pictures

Phil Neville's side put in an assured display as winger Nikita Parris and skipper Jill Scott struck either side of the interval.

And the 8,273-strong crowd enjoyed every minute, loudly cheering on the stars who are heading to France next month with only one thing in mind – to become world champions.

Families proudly waved flags in the sunshine as the teams entered the Banks's pitch.

God Save the Queen was then heartily sang by players and supporters.

Household names Steph Houghton and Fran Kirby did not start for the Lionesses, but there was still plenty of talent out there.

Scott, donning the armband in the absence of Houghton, impressed in midfield with her driving runs and pin-point passing while Parris caused all sorts of problems down the right with her outstanding pace.

In the stands, meanwhile, a brass band played Three Lions and several other tunes.

England grew in confidence as the first half progressed.

Ellen White chipped the ball wide after a fantastic through-ball from Scott before Scott volleyed over from close range and Demi Stokes dragged one just past the post.

The breakthrough finally came right on the stroke of half-time as Parris finished coolly into the bottom corner. A deserved lead after having the lion's share of possession.

Denmark began the second period with more intent, but the Lionesses never looked too flustered and doubled their advantage just prior to the hour mark.

Georgia Stanway drove towards the box and fed the ball to Beth Mead, whose floated cross was emphatically headed home by Scott. A ruthless move.

England then brought on some fire-power in a bid to truly put the game to bed, with Kirby and Karen Carney introduced seconds after Scott's goal. A Mexican Wave rippled around the Banks's for a few minutes as well.

Lucy Staniforth was also introduced by Neville as England cruised to victory and went over to fans for signatures and selfies.

They head to Brighton's Amex Stadium to face New Zealand in the final friendly next weekend, and then their tournament gets underway against Scotland on Sunday, June 9.

Teams

England (4-5-1): Bardsley; Daly, Williamson, Bright, Stokes; Parris (Carney, 60), Moore, Scott (c), Stanway (Kirby, 60), Mead (Staniforth, 80); White

Subs not used: Earps (gk), Bronze, Greenwood, Walsh, Houghton, Taylor, McManus

Goals: Parris (45), Scott (59)

Denmark (3-5-2): Abel; Sevecke, Ballisager, Arnth; Sorensen (Thogersen, 75), Troelsgaard (Tavlo, 75), Junge, Snerle (Geji, 42), Svava; Bruun (Madsen, 64), Harder (c)

Subs not used: Larsen (gk), Christiansen, Holmgaard, Karlsen, Hashemi