Having come from behind to beat Belgium 2-1 at the weekend, Gareth Southgate's side immediately ceded top spot in Group A2 as Christian Eriksen scored the only goal with a 35th-minute penalty. 

It was the third spot-kick England has conceded in four Nations League matches this season, by which point Maguire had already accrued two rash bookings to earn his second red card of the campaign - full debutant Reece James joining that list of ignominy after being sent off for dissent after the final whistle. 

Mason Mount came closest to an equaliser from Declan Rice's 66th-minute corner, only for Kasper Schmeichel to produce a remarkable save. 

Denmark started brightly and Kasper Dolberg had an eighth-minute attempt from Eriksen's clever low corner deflected into the side netting by Kalvin Phillips. 

England struggled to create clear openings, although Harry Kane's touch deserted him in front of goal on the end of Mount's lay-off. 

Southgate would rue that chance slipping away as his team imploded just after the half-hour mark. 

Maguire was arguably fortunate to stay on the field after his reckless early lunge on Yussuf Poulsen and referee Jesus Gil Manzano had little choice when the Manchester United captain's heavy touch led to him careering into Kasper Dolberg. 

By the time Dolberg hobbled out of the action, Eriksen had slammed home from the spot after Kyle Walker was harshly penalised for impeding Thomas Delaney. 

England's performance improved despite its reduced numbers and Schmeichel displayed incredible athleticism and reactions to deny Mount. 

The Leicester City goalkeeper was similarly sharp to tip over a rasping free-kick from James 12 minutes from time, although he needed the help of a goal-line clearance by captain and cap centurion Simon Kjaer to frustrate Conor Coady in the final minute.