England have begun the reign of Roy Hodgson with a scrappy friendly win over Norway in Olso.
The Three Lions started brightly and, after Andy Carroll had wasted a glorious headed chance from six yards, Ashley Young gave his side the lead on nine minutes.
Young, who excelled in a central role behind Carroll, made a darting run through the centre of the pitch and calmly placed the ball beyond Rune Almenning Jarstein in the Norway goal after beating Brede Hangeland for pace.
James Milner could have doubled his side's advantage midway through the first half, but the midfielder fired straight at Jarstein from inside the penalty area.
Norway improved after half time, while England, who had replaced Steven Gerrard with Gareth Barry at the break, failed to threaten going forward.
Morten Gamst Pedersen fired just wide and John Arne Riise tested Robert Green with a sublime long-range effort, but England held on for victory.
Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his international debut, replacing Young with 17 minutes remaining.
Robert Summerscales
