What: 2013 European Under-21 Championship
Who: England U21 vs Norway U21
When: Saturday, 8th June, 2013, at 17:00 UK Time
Where: HaMoshava Stadium, Petach Tikva, Israel
Wounded England Look To Bounce Back
England conceded a goal for the first time in ten matches against Italy on Wednesday, losing 1-0 to the Azzurrini in a result which leaves them bottom of Group A and facing a fight to make it out of the first stage for the second tournament in a row.
The performance in the defeat to Italy was described as “awful” by coach Stuart Pearce but it was possible to feel sorry for him, deprived as he is of some of England’s best players, whisked off to play prestige international friendlies in Brazil last week whilst the Italy team who defeated them contained the likes of Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti.
The meeting with Norway reunites two teams who met in qualifying, as England won both of the group games between the two countries. Indeed England have lost just once in six meetings with the Scandinavians. The return from suspension of Thomas Ince and Danny Rose, and Wilfried Zaha’s recovery from injury, should help England to make a greater impression against Norway. It is a game they simply must win, if they are not to go into their last game with hosts Israel needing three points.
Norway Left To Rue Missed Chances
Norway showed their character in the opening game of this tournament, salvaging a point having been 2-1 down late on against Israel. Harmeet Singh grabbed the late goal that left manager Tor Ole Skullerud feeling “proud” of his team.
The Norwegians could reflect on a more than satisfactory performance against the hosts, outplaying them and creating numerous chances, only for Israel to force themselves into the lead. Norway are in the finals for the second time in their history but have a way to go to match the exploits of that side in 1998, who finished third.
Defensive issues continue to hold back this team and that was clearly in evidence during the game with Israel. Norway conceded four over the two legs of their playoff with France to get to Israel in the first place, and let in nine in two games against the Netherlands and Spain earlier this year. If they are to progress they will have to find a way to tighten up at the back.
Recent form
England:
England 3-0 Romania (21/03; Friendly)
England 4-0 Austria (25/03; Friendly)
England 0-1 Italy (05/06; Euro U21)
Norway:
Spain 4-1 Norway (21/03; Friendly)
Netherlands 5-2 Norway (25/03; Friendly)
Israel 2-2 Norway (05/06; Euro U21)
Key absences
England: None
Norway: Eggen Hedenstad; Joshua King; Havard Nordtveit
Players to watch
England – Wilfried Zaha: Zaha should be fit again for this game and Pearce will be delighted to have him back. England struggled for inspiration against Italy going forward and Zaha’s bright running and dribbling should give them something more against Norway. Zaha will be playing for Manchester United next term and is capable of producing something from nothing for his team, although he can also frustrate strikers by holding onto the ball for too long. He could just be the maverick England need.
Norway – Marcus Pederson: Pederson can count himself unlucky not to have scored more than once in the tournament opener. Pederson hit four shots on target in the 2-2 draw with Israel as his team pounded the home side’s goal. He will surely be the key danger against England, who must be wary of his intelligent movement. Pederson’s career took off at Stromsgodset, before moving to Vitesse and then on loan to Denmark with Odense. Injuries have held up his progress but he possesses talent in abundance.
Match Prediction
England have lost their proud run without conceding but they should find it easier to contain Norway. Skullerud’s side were in good form against Israel, however will find creating chances harder against the English, whose organisation will pose them problems.
Pearce’s men will be bolstered by the returns of Thomas Ince and Zaha, whose participation should ensure that the energy and guile of Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Jonjo Shelvey doesn’t go unrewarded. But Norway have plenty of attacking talents of their own. The half French midfielder Yann-Erik de Lanlay boasts impressive technical qualities, as does Harmeet Singh, whilst Jo Inge Berget is a mix of both technique and hard work.
Norway’s games tend to involve plenty of goals but England’s are the opposite. It would not be a surprise if Norway took the game to their opponents and dominated proceedings, but England’s defensive qualities and individual talents are capable of winning this game on the counter attack against a porous Norwegian backline. England 2-1 Norway.
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