England vs Norway: Five reasons you SHOULD watch the international friendly

Well, it was meant to be five...

England training (Getty Images)

England face Norway at Wembley in front of an estimated crowd of just 40,000 people tonight.

It is the first time Roy Hodgson's team play since they were miserably dumped out of the World Cup without making it past the group stage.

England stalwarts Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole will no longer turn out for the Three Lions as Roy Hodgson ushers in a new crop of players.

Unfortunately this article was meant to contain five reasons you should watch the match tonight. We got stuck at three.

1) The Young Lions

Roy Hodgson has named number of young players in this latest squad, with 10 players 24 or younger and four debutants in the 23. John Stones and Calum Chambers look like massive talents what will be a new look back four, while Raheem Sterling, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Daniel Sturridge will hope to transfer their excellent club form to the international stage. Fabian Delph, Jack Colback and Danny Rose are the other newcomers at this level.

Raheem Sterling is an exciting prospect on the wing (Getty Images)

2) Post-Golden Generation

The Golden Generation of players has gone and Roy Hodgson must now piece together a team from what is left behind. Wayne Rooney will captain the side but despite a perceived lack of talent in England, there are some good players among the 23. It is time for the likes of Jack Wilshere and Gary Cahill to prove they are truly worth their salt on the international stage.

A new era post-Golden Generation begins (Getty Images)

3) Switzerland

England face a European qualifier in Switzerland on Monday, what should be their toughest fixture in a group comprising Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino. Even England should manage to navigate themselves out of that group, but a decent showing against Switzerland will be needed so England get their confidence back.

Er, unfortunately there’s not much else to shout about in this game, and I’ve run out of reasons to watch. Norway don’t have any stellar names to attract interest and England should easily win.

The appetite for the England team isn’t too high after the World Cup and an uninspiring squad has only further dampened the mood.

Can you think of any other reasons (any at all) to watch this match? Let us know in the comments below.