Life's a beach for Norway and Johansen

There have been worse places to conduct an interview. If Norway are feeling the strain of being in only their second ever UEFA European Under-21 Championship, it certainly did not show at Thursday's media gathering.

The mixed zone is the area reserved for the press to talk to players, usually after a game. Thursday's equivalent was something else. Situated on the Golden Beach on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, the only divide between footballers and journalists was the sea itself. Winding down after Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Israel, Tor Ole Skullerud's players were given some time to try their hand at surfing – followed by a press briefing like no other.

"We've done our recuperation and now we're enjoying the waves," Strømsgodset IF midfielder Stefan Johansen told UEFA.com, still out of breath and shaking himself dry. "This is the first time I've tried it and it's pretty cool. We are all as bad as each other! It's important that you come out of the world in the hotel – it's boring if you stay there all of the time. Today was a nice day and nice weather. We all really enjoyed it. I think we have a group who stay together anyway, but maybe we've bonded a little bit more with this. It's pretty cool."

Thursday's recreation time came after a gentle warm-down session for most of the players, and training for those less involved the night before. For Johansen, a driving force against Israel who has been key in helping his club to the top of the Norwegian Premier Division, there was still enough time to mull things over.

"I've been thinking about it yesterday and the whole day today," he said. "I'm really disappointed that we didn't get the three points. We had some chances that hit the post, and some one-on-ones with the keeper. But that's football – sometimes it goes in, sometimes it doesn't. We just need to forget it and prepare for Saturday."

Though Johansen is yet to ply his trade outside of his native country, the prospect of facing an England team brimming with Premier League talent holds no fear. "Spain have players from Barcelona, England have players from the Premier League – probably the best two leagues in the world," he said. "It's cool to get that experience, but actually I don't care – for me they can play in the Premier League or the Norwegian First Division. Every player should get the same respect."

Denied by the woodwork on three occasions, Norway's frustration at being held by the hosts is understandable. For Johansen, though, it was further evidence that they are playing the right way – his way and his club's way. "For me this season's been great," said the 22-year-old. "The team are top of the league and we have played really good football. We play international football, possession, and I'm a player who likes to play that kind of football. I'm a passing player, a possession player – I just like to have the ball. That's how we play with my club and it's the same with this U21 team."

When, asked about role models, the answer came that "Guti is a player I've always liked – and he's a left-footer too," it was hard not to wonder whether Johansen's long locks are not some sort of homage to the former Real Madrid CF midfielder. "No, my hair is too long, maybe I need to cut it!"