Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
New captain Wayne Rooney rescued Roy Hodgson from embarrassment as a record-low crowd watched England sneak past Norway in a dull and uninspiring friendly at Wembley.
Just 40,181 turned up to the national stadium to watch England register a 1-0 win thanks to Rooney's 69th minute penalty.
It was the lowest England crowd at the new Wembley by more than eight thousand.
But what did they see from this England side entering into a new phase?
England 1 Norway 0 player ratingsShow all 12 1 /12England 1 Norway 0 player ratings England 1 Norway 0 player ratings Joe Hart Had little to do in the first half but count empty seats, then came alive to make a vital save just after the break from King’s near-post header. 6/10
Getty Images
England 1 Norway 0 player ratings John Stones Composed and got forward well. Good opposition to make debut against and caught out of position occasionally but can be pleased with his big night. 6
Getty Images
England 1 Norway 0 player ratings Gary Cahill Had a trying time against Josh King. Turned rather too easily by the Blackburn striker in the first half, then embarrassed out on the right touchline.
Getty Images
England 1 Norway 0 player ratings Phil Jones Like his defensive partner, did not inspire confidence. Poor header resulted in Elyounoussi shot but went close with a header from a corner. 5
Getty Images
England 1 Norway 0 player ratings Leighton Baines Always eager to get forward and had a shot blocked, yet wasted several good chances to cross. Kept looking for the ball when England toiled after the break. 6
Getty Images
England 1 Norway 0 player ratings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Difficult night for the Arsenal man. Too often let down by a heavy touch and often required to come inside to bolster England’s centre. Rather lost. 4
Getty Images
England 1 Norway 0 player ratings Jack Wilshere No doubting his enthusiasm, produced several telling passes and should have won a penalty. Yet his distribution was erratic and awareness was poor. 5
Getty Images
England 1 Norway 0 player ratings Jordan Henderson Played the holding role and was neat and tidy. Usually available for his team-mates yet could not step up when England drifted after half-time. 5
Getty Images
England 1 Norway 0 player ratings Raheem Sterling Shone amid all the mediocrity. With Sturridge seemed to be taking on Norway on their own. Lovely touches and vision. Won England’s penalty. 8
Getty Images
England 1 Norway 0 player ratings Daniel Sturridge Sharp, direct and in the first half dangerous, going close with both a shot and a lob. Good link-up play and on the same wavelength as Sterling. 7
AP
England 1 Norway 0 player ratings Wayne Rooney Hardly led from the front. Too many moves broke down around him and was reduced to playing Hollywood passes to no one. Emphatic penalty – then off. 5
Getty Images
England 1 Norway 0 player ratings Danny Welbeck A little more space to work in than Rooney but England looked more dangerous when he came on. Good near-post shot and smart cross from the left. 6
Getty Images
Who was your man of the match? Let us know in the comments below.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies