Hodgson reign gets off to a win

Norway 0-1 England

Roy Hodgson's reign as England manager started with a win as they overcame Norway 1-0 in Oslo.

Ashley Young's goal, his fourth in as many internationals, was enough as the Three Lions warmed up for Euro 2012, with their first game against France 16 days away.

The only goal of the game came after eight minutes from a fine solo run from Young. The Man United winger ran at Brede Hangeland after receiving a knock down from Andy Carroll before firing left footed across 'keeper Rune Jarstein.

Robert Green, making his first England appearance since his infamous blunder against the USA at the 2010 World Cup, was nearly once again embarrased. Morten Gamst Pedersen whipped in a corner from the left which hit Green's left hand post before bouncing out of play.

However, that was Norway's only chance of the opening 30 minutes. in what was a typically quiet start to an international friendly.

England's lead could have been extended by James Milner on 33 minutes. He was picked out by a good through ball from Young, but after getting into the box, could only fire straight at Jarstein.

Norway had a half chance to equalise as Mohammed Abdellaoui played a one-two with Pedersen, but the Hannover striker fired wide on the turn. The home side were then forced into a substitution as Espen Ruud replaced Tom Hogli five minutes before the break after a heavy challenge from Steven Gerrard. The England captain escaped a caution, but may well have seen a card had it been a competitve game.

Despite a few sloppy passes giving possession away cheaply, manager Hodgson would have been pleased with how the first half of football went under his stewardship.

England's first substitution came at half time as Gareth Barry replaced Gerrard and the Man City midfielder took the armband.

The first chance of the second half fell to England. After Young was brought down on the edge of the area, Leighton Baines curled a shot towards the bottom right hand corner, but Jarstein did enough to keep the ball out.

A minute later England went even closer. Phil Jones made a run from right back and his shot was deflected onto the post by a Norwegian defender before going out of play.

Theo Walcott was introduced ten minutes into the second half replacing Scott Parker, meaning Milner dropped into central midfield alongside Barry.

Norway had a chance on the hour as John Arne Riise got by Theo Walcott before firing one of his trademark shots from a tight angle, but Green got enough behind it to turn it behind from a corner.

The hosts were becoming more of a threat while England looked bereft of ideas and confidence, giving the ball away cheaply.

Hodgson combated this with a double substitution. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought on for his England debut, replacing goalscorer Young, while Jordan Henderson, also making his debut, replaced Barry after he picked up a slight knock to his groin. Joleon Lescott was given the captain's armband.

Norway's momentum diminished, struggling to find a way through England's defence as the game ticked towards the end. Adam Johnson replaced Stewart Downing and Martin Kelly was also brought on for his full England debut, replacing Phil Jones at right back.

England didn't create many chances in the second half, but more importantly they didn't concede many either. Although it wasn't the most exciting of performances, Hodgson will be pleased to start off with a win and will know a lot more about his players than he did two hours before.


Norway: Jarstein, Hogli, Demidov, Hangeland, Riise, Tettey, Elyounoussi, Henriksen, Pedersen, Braaten, Abdellaoui. Subs: Pettersen, Madsen, Ruud, Grindheim, Huseklepp, Jenssen, Berisha.

England: Green, Jones, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Milner, Gerrard, Parker, Downing, Young, Carroll. Subs: Hart, Kelly, Henderson, Barry, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Defoe, Adam Johnson.