What can England fans take from a fairly uninspiring 1-0 friendly victory over Norway…
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England defeated Norway 1-0 on Wednesday evening, with Wayne Rooney’s penalty the difference between the two teams. While it may not have been overly inspiring stuff, the result will prove useful boost ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland.
Here are five things we learned from the game:
Raheem Sterling is already England’s best player and the team needs to be built around him
He may only be a teenager, but the Liverpool forward is quickly developing into one of the best player’s in the country. Not only did his bursting run win England’s penalty, providing the only real highlight in an otherwise dour game, but his pace and invention are already crucial to the way his team play.
In the first-half, Hodgson played him out wide, but he has proved with his club that he is more effective in a number 10 role at the top of a diamond midfield. He needs to be given the freedom to continue in that position and feed off the players around him. He has an excellent understanding with Daniel Sturridge, and that needs to be exploited.
Hodgson needs to inject some urgency into England’s game
England need to pass the ball quicker if they are to have any hope of breaking down the best team’s in Europe. Norway sat deep, and restricted England to just two shots on target, which is no where near enough against a team ranked outside the world’s top fifty.
At the heart of England’s team is three Liverpool players: Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge. Those players are used to playing quick, counter attacking football. The players around them need to match these abilities, particularly against the hard working Swiss, who showed at the World Cup how difficult they are to beat.
Welbeck shows Arsenal what he can do
Danny Welbeck gave Arsenal fans a glimpse of the future with a promising 20 minute cameo, after replacing captain Wayne Rooney. He came close with one effort that struck the goalkeeper’s palms, and looked generally dangerous throughout.
Promising signs from England debutants
Fabian Delph and Calum Chambers both impressed on their England debuts. The Aston Villa man was particularly impressive, winning several tackles and looking comfortable controlling the midfield.
Where do you play Wayne Rooney?
It is the age old question. He might have nearly 100 caps for his country, but England do still not know how to get the best out of their captain, who at is best is also their star player. The Manchester United skipper was desperately quiet tonight, other than when he emphatically converted the winner from 12 yards.
He is yet to strike up an understanding with Daniel Sturridge up front, and he has continually struggled when dropped into a deeper position. He needs to take the game by the scruff of the neck, especially now that he has the armband strapped around his bicep. His performances are key to England’s success.
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