This was as close to perfection as you are likely to get from a team from England. If the rest of Europe didn’t have to worry about the hosts at these European Championships, they will be now.
It was a masterclass, a performance of such pace, precision and clinical execution that it should be shown to every English age group as the template of what an England team should and should look like.
Fast, aggressive and physical. Dominant, direct and relentlessly positive in structure and style. It had two skilled, ambitious, scoring wingers flying down the flanks, a predatory striker through the middle, supported by strong, smart and creative midfielders behind them and a dominant, well-organized defense that eliminated the danger on the counter-attack.
It is important to add some much needed context to the above. England not only defeated Norway, they beat them, destroyed them, tore them apart† They’ve taken a big hit.
Norway is not just any team. They may have one of, if not the, best attacks of this summer’s tournament. On their way to this European Championship, not only did they want to perform well, many tipped them as outsiders to win the final at Wembley on July 31.
They were cut down and crashed down like a Norwegian pine tree, while England displayed all their offensive weapons in a devastating fashion. This was shocking football and they made it look easy. Norway was so overwhelmed that they only managed to get one shot on target and spent most of the game chasing the English players and the ball.
How did England do?
1-0 (11 mins)
Ellen White was under pressure to get into this game, but her experience and proven track record at major tournaments meant she was unlikely to ever lose her place. This was street football and you need it to win tournaments. White pulls Maria Thorisdottir towards him and shoots the ball past her. The central defender is too tight and puts one arm across her chest to prevent her from getting away in the penalty area. White is hindered, goes down and gets the penalty kick which is knocked home by Georgia Stanway.