Early goals decisive as England down Norway
Monday, October 10, 2011
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Norway 1-2 England
Norway never recovered from conceding two goals in the first seven minutes as the visitors recorded their third successive win in Group 8.
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Two goals in the opening seven minutes set England on their way to victory against Norway and a three-point lead at the top of UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 8.
Craig Dawson gave the visitors a third-minute lead when he headed in a corner from Henri Lansbury, with Jordan Henderson swiftly doubling the advantage at the far post following Marvin Sordell's left-wing delivery.
Though Valon Berisha reduced the hosts' arrears midway through the first half from a perfect pass by Markus Henriksen, Norway were unable to force an equaliser.
England − who lost Dawson for eight minutes before half-time while the defender underwent treatment to a head injury − were always dangerous on the break and came closest to a third late on when Lansbury struck the bar from close range.
The victory leaves England three points ahead of Norway and five clear of third-placed Belgium, who face the Nordic nation on 10 November, when Stuart Pearce's host Iceland.