Southgate glad to see England pass test of character

The Three Lions got off to a winning start over Norway thanks to a James Ward-Prowse penalty in Drammen.

But the scoreline told a different story to the game, where Souithgate’s side had to really dig in to secure the three points.

“It was a tough game and I think everybody in the dressing room will be a little disappointed not to have played better,” admitted Southgate.

“But when I think back to qualifying last time around and when I was involved with the senior team myself, qualifying matches away from home are tough and that’s exactly what they are.

“You don’t always get to control games and I thought Norway were very good tonight.

“They used the ball very well in midfield and we didn’t always come to terms with that and they tested our goalkeeper [Jordan Pickford] quite a bit and he stood up to that challenge, which was pleasing.

James Ward-Prowse sends the keeper the wrong way

“Generally, our defenders have defended well and although there were few chances, they’ve had to defend a lot and it was a good test for them which they’ve come through with a clean sheet.

“But we’re delighted to have three points on the board from what looks like the hardest game, but you just don’t know yet.”

Southgate and his squad have been together for just over a week in the build-up to this game, so the head coach knew it was going to take some time for them to get a full understanding on the pitch.

And he felt this game can only have helped speed up the process.

England U21s congratulate James Ward-Prowse on his goal

“I don’t think we’ve had long enough together to flow as a team yet and Norway were very solid defensively and as a team. They encouraged us to have the ball at the back and were then quick to press, wanting to counter,” he explained.

“So we fell into that trap a little bit as we moved the ball too slowly, but that side of our game will improve.

“For a lot of the boys, it’s their first qualifier so they’ll get a better understanding of international football and controlling games.

“There are qualifiers away from home where your defenders have to come to the fore, dig in and head balls.”

England also had to contend with Norway bringing three players into their team from the senior squad, including Real Madrid’s 16-year-old Martin Odegaard.

But Southgate felt his team dealt well with the increased attention and confidence of their hosts.

“We knew it was always a possibility because they were only playing up the road the previous night,” he added.

“But you’re never sure if it’s going to work for or against them.

“I thought the players who came back played very well, but playing against England is a big match for other teams and they were always going to be up for this.”