Norway lead England 2-0 at the interval in their Under-21 European Championship Group A clash in Israel.

England, who would be eliminated from the competition this evening with a defeat, made a bright start to proceedings with Danny Rose and Nathan Redmond causing problems in wide positions.

Norway's first threat arrived after eight minutes when Omar Elabdellaoui, formerly of Manchester City, burst into the England box, but he could only fire high and wide of the crossbar.

Rose had a similar effort for England moments later, but he could only strike his shot into the stands, before Thomas Ince flicked wide of the post from close range.

Another half-chance arrived for Rose after 13 minutes when the Sunderland defender met a free kick from Jordan Henderson, but he could only head over the crossbar.

Norway were ahead after 15 minutes, however, when Semb Berge turned in the box before thumping his effort into the bottom corner.

Berge continued to cause problems in the penalty area as the match approached the half-hour mark, twice heading wide from inside the box.

England continued to force the issue in the latter stages of the first period, but it was Marcus Pedersen who passed up a fine chance to send Norway two goals ahead.

The second goal did come for Norway after 34 minutes, however, when Jo Inge Berget struck a powerful effort into the top corner.

Steven Caulker thought that he had cut the deficit for England to 2-1 in the final moments of the half, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Written by
Matt Law