Reece James sent off after final whistle for dissent against referee as England are beaten by Denmark

Defender’s first international start at senior level ended with the Chelsea man receiving a red card

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Reece James was sent off after the final whistle of England’s Nations League defeat by Denmark on Wednesday night due to an incident of dissent against the referee.

James impressed as he made his first international start at senior level, but Gareth Southgate’s side were beaten 1-0 at Wembley, with Manchester United captain Harry Maguire sent off for the home team in the first half after being booked twice.

Former Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen netted from the spot minutes later – after a controversial penalty was awarded – and that strike sealed all three points for the Danes in the group-stage game.

And referee Jesus Gil Manzano dished out further punishment to England after full-time when 20-year-old James confronted him, seemingly about the Spaniard’s officiating throughout the fixture.

The Chelsea defender now faces a one-match suspension, ruling him out of the return fixture against Belgium next month.

Southgate told Sky Sports: “The referee says he has sent him off for dissent. 

“That is a lesson he has got to learn as a player.

“He has had an incredible week. The quality of play down the right, he had a fantastic game. It’s something that shouldn’t have happened, but in the overall week he has had made a positive impression.”

The result saw Denmark go level with England on seven points in Group A2 – but with a better goal difference. Belgium, beaten by England on Sunday but victorious against Iceland on Wednesday, top the group with nine points.