Ashley Young and Andy Carroll, who combined for England's winner, were the top performers against Norway in Oslo
ROBERT GREEN KEEPER 6
Looking to exorcise some ghosts from his last England appearance, albeit Joe Hart's position as the England No1 is beyond dispute for now. Produced an alert save to halt a Henrikson shot in settling nerves, just after the England opener, but largely untroubled thereafter.
PHIL JONES RIGHT-BACK 4
The Manchester United player's bid to nail down a starting slot wasn't helped by the cheap concession of the ball to Braaten after 39 minutes. A better player would have punished Jones's generosity. That error proved worryingly typical of the right back's night, a matter which may cause Hodgson concern.
PHIL JAGIELKA CENTRE-BACK 6
In the curious position of not – as things stand – being in the 23-man squad for Euro 2012, with his appearance in Oslo owing to John Terry's absence. Showed glimpses of the attacking intent that is always visible at club level but was in the midst of a careless English defending spell just before half-time.
JOLEON LESCOTT CENTRE-BACK 6
Allowed Abdellaoue to cut across him in affording Norway chance of first-half equaliser. Beyond that, it was a tricky occasion on which to judge defenders because of the lack of a serious threat posed towards them, despite Norway's long spells on the ball. Hodgson's key defensive places remain up for grabs.
LEIGHTON BAINES LEFT-BACK 6
A rare run-out at international level for the Everton man, with Ashley Cole England's first choice in his position. Supported attacks well and almost claimed England's second goal with a free-kick just moments after half-time. Not particularly prominent, that moment aside.
JAMES MILNER RIGHT MIDFIELD 5
Was unduly selfish in seeking a first England goal when a cut-back to Carroll was clearly a better option. A lack of club football explained some sloppy early passes, with Milner not posing enough of danger to the Norway defence. Moved into a central role after the withdrawal of Parker.
SCOTT PARKER MIDFIELD 5
Part of a midfield who were guilty of not moving the ball quickly enough against pedestrian hosts. Yet Parker produced two useful first-half defensive blocks. It was Barry, not Parker, who picked up the captain's armband from Gerrard. Parker, though, seemed to prove his fitness before being replaced by Walcott.
STEVEN GERRARD MIDFIELD (C) 6
It had always been the plan to play the England captain for 45 minutes, with his first half most notable for a challenge on Hogli which ended the Norwegian's game. Gerrard was booed – and subjected to a few fierce tackles himself – thereafter. But he had played a part in deceiving the Norway defence for the goal.
STEWART DOWNING LEFT MIDFIELD 5
Only showed fleeting moments of menace when picking out Young and Carroll quickly – a tactic which troubled Norway's defence. Covered well in defence when called upon but yet to convince his detractors that he is worthy of an England starting berth.
ASHLEY YOUNG FORWARD 7
Took on a perhaps surprisingly advanced role, basically alongside Carroll when England attacked, but that tactic paid off handsomely. Offered terrific touches and a finish for the first goal of the Hodgson regime, having turned Hangeland inside out. Volleyed over his chance to double that lead before the interval.
ANDY CARROLL FORWARD 7
Hodgson demonstrated his long-time admiration of the Liverpool striker by handing Carroll a start in Oslo. Such a move returned initial dividends, Carroll smartly playing in Young for the opening goal. Generally unsettled the Norway defence, while displaying fine movement and technique.
SUBSTITUTES
GARETH BARRY (GERRARD, 46) 2
Took captain's armband but was then replaced himself, by Henderson. Went straight off, hinting at an injury problem.
THEO WALCOTT (PARKER, 56) 3
Had a chance to round off England's win in the closing minute, but crossed straight into the hands of the Norway goalkeeper.
JORDAN HENDERSON (BARRY, 72) 3
Not in the squad for Poland and Ukraine but handed a chance here as Barry was withdrawn. Failed to stem a second-half home flow.
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN (YOUNG, 72) 3
Understandable anxiousness to make an impression on his international debut led to careless moments from teenager.
ADAM JOHNSON (DOWNING, 85) 3
Introduced too late to make an attacking impression. By then, England's sole focus was in repelling Norway's attacks.
MARTIN KELLY (JONES, 88) 2
Could still feature in the Euros, depending on club-mate Glen Johnson's fitness. Replaced Jones with two minutes left.
MANAGER
ROY HODGSON 6
Victory over inferior opposition, away from home, must count as a positive in itself given the struggles of Hodgson's predecessors. There were also mitigating circumstances in putting a team together. Yet England were unconvincing in long spells, particularly after the interval, with France no doubt among those onlookers gathering encouragement. Read More
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