England's World Cup chances were mocked despite a narrow victory over Denmark at Wembley.

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge headed home a late winner for the hosts, but Danish boss Morten Olsen was far from impressed by Roy Hodgson's side.

As Olsen left the post-match press conference, he said: 'Good luck in the World Cup... you'll need it.'

Good luck: Morten Olsen mocked England's chances at this summer's World Cup in Brazil

Any ideas? England looked as though they were struggling for creativity for much of the game

The Denmark manager added: 'I think that England have a young team with a lot of quickness. It's promising for the future, but if it's enough for the World Cup?

'I think we would have won if Christian Eriksen was playing tonight.'

Hodgson immediately defended his side amid Olsen's jibe, saying: 'I don't care about that. Every team will need good luck. We didn't need it tonight, that's for sure.'

Luke Shaw made his England debut, while Raheem Sterling was given a second cap by Hodgson.

And the England manager gave a glowing appraisal of his young stars as he looks to finalise his 23-man squad for Brazil 2014.

'Over half of the players we have in this squad are under 23. We are looking in that direction, but I don't feel under obligation to pick young players.

'The younger players are doing well at the moment. Hopefully you will be impressed with their performances, and I'll have to make a decision going forward.

Up high: Chris Smalling goes up for a header in the opening 45 minutes, but misses the target

'You couldn't get me to say anything negative about any of the young players on today.

'We've been building up over the couple of years – it's not Raheem's first game, or Jordan Henderson's, Adam Lallana's, Chris Smalling's or Jack Wilshere's.

'I'd just like to think these players will grow in confidence playing in the Premier League and for their club sides. 

'This was an important game tonight. It was important we put in a good performance. I wanted a level of energy, players running back when they lost the ball, making tackles from the wrong side, not being afraid to make mistakes knowing with their pace they can recover. 

'That's what I did see, and we put the icing on the cake with the goal to win it.

Finally: Daniel Sturridge heads England ahead with eight minutes remaining at Wembley

Relief: Sturridge wheels away after scoring the opening goal after 82 minutes

On form: The Liverpool striker scored his third senior England goal, and deserved more on the night

'The thing I've learned mostly is that I've seen an incredible focus from this group of players. 

'This World Cup means a lot to players. They'll be doing everything in their power to impress me. They did that tonight and we got a win. 

'They have to continue doing that in the two months we have coming up. When I make a decision, it'll be based on the principles I have in selecting a squad: if these players continue playing like this, you'll have a lot to write about on the players who are left out.'

One to beat: Sturridge had England's best chance, but was thwarted from six yards

Opening: Schmeichel saves from Sturridge in the dying moments of the first-half at Wembley

Meanwhile, Hodgson allayed fears Wilshere suffered an ankle injury after a hefty challenge from Daniel Agger.

The Arsenal midfielder suffered the blow early in the first half and lasted until the 59th minute.

Hodgson said: 'It was a nasty one. It was a 50/50 and they both went for it. I hoped it was a bruise rather than anything more serious, and it was. I'm hoping when he goes back to Arsenal he'll be fine.'

Method: Sterling used the wing to good effect in the first-half at Wembley

Trickery: Sterling nips in from the byline as Agger remains in pursuit of the Liverpool winger

Together: The players celebrate a deserved lead in front of an expectant Wembley crowd

High foot: Rooney was substituted around the hour mark after a quiet night

Clock ticking: Hodgson was given one more chance to see his potential World Cup stars in action for England

Any ideas? England looked as though they were struggling for creativity for much of the game