BY AYODELE ODUMADE AT WEMBLEY

England narrowly squeaked past Norway in a friendly game, which served as a tune up for the upcoming 2016 European Championship qualifying campaign. It was a game, which was meant to usher in the new era, with the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard now retired. This was reflected in the team selected by Roy Hodgson, which also saw 20 year old John Stones chosen at right back.

Daniel Sturridge combined, with Sterling finding his Liverpool teammate with a back heel in the Norwegian box but He could not quite connect with a shot.

Around the midway point of the half Norway had their first shot on target as Tarik Elyounoussi’s shot, which skidded on the ground was comfortably saved by Joe Hart.

Shortly after England almost took the lead as the Liverpool duo combined again. Sterling found Sturridge, but his attempted chip over Orjan Nyland was just over the bar.

Just before the hour mark, the ball was fed to Leighton Baines in the Norwegian box but Havard Nordtveit blocked his shot.

The game remained scoreless at the break.

Four minutes after the break, Norway should have taken the lead. From a corner kick, Joshua King connected with a header but Joe Hart pushed it round the post.

In the 66^th minute, England was awarded a penalty when Stefan Johansen brought Sterling down in the box. The England Captain Wayne Rooney, stepped forwards and slotted the ball past Nyland to give England the lead.  Rooney was then replaced by is former teammate at club and now Arsenal striker, Danny Welbeck.

Minutes after coming on, Welbeck hit a fierce shot, which was saved by Nyland.

Late in the game, Sterling fed the ball to second half substitute, James Milner, but his shot was blocked.

The game might not have set the world alight but it was still a useful exercise for a young England team, especially with the likes of Sterling, Sturridge and Henderson who appear to be the future of England.  Wayne Rooney was his usual self chasing and harrying as usual.

England has a habit of winning friendlies and qualifiers. What they need now is to try and convert these to wins in big tournaments. They would need to do a lot to win back some of the England fans, who voted with their feet and stayed away after a disappointing showing in Brazil. The stadium was only half full (40,101).  The next stop for England is a tough European Championship qualifier away to Switzerland on Monday.