England v Norway as it happened

1. Wayne Rooney scores from penalty spot
2. Crowd of 40,181 - a record low for the new Wembley
3. England's first game since World Cup elimination

Swiss roll, Emmenthal and Toblerone at the ready for Monday night then. See you then...

Manager reaction

More Roy Hodgson on BBC Radio 5 live: "I've learned that the players are anxious to defend more aggressively and be more compact in their play. These young players are prepared to take the responsibility, to receive the ball under pressure.

"I also learned from these players that we are not restricted to playing one particular way."

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Reuters

John Smith: A great game of football. Oh sorry I was watching Germany v Argentina. A match full of class and quality. England pale in comparison

Karl Bowers: England have 63% possession, keep a clean sheet and win at home yet everybody still complains..

Manager reaction

Empics

England manager Roy Hodgson on BBC Radio 5 live: "We enjoyed some positive moments, some good movement and good play. Our passing was good although I was not very happy with how we started the second half.

"Without letting Norway into the game totally, we gave them hope. For the last 30 minutes we were pretty good value for our victory. We wanted a clean sheet and got that. We wanted high tempo passing play - all the things I wanted I thought I saw for large periods of the game."

England's Euro qualifiers

England are in Group E for Euro 2016 qualifying, along with Switzerland, Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino.So they arguably start with their toughest qualifier of the lot.

After Switzerland on Monday, they face San Marino at Wembley next month.

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Andy in Woking: That match was a lot like childbirth. Painful, long and with only one exciting moment.

Willy, Aberdeen: Disagree with Rooney, saying important to win, I thought the performance would have been more important, they where woeful!!

John: That was easily the most mediocre England performance since the last England performance. I don't even know where to start!

Roy Hodgson tells BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Dennis: "All of the things I wanted, I think I saw".

Will he say the same on Monday night?

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Paul Hirsch: Is Rooney world class? No! But he's an all rounder & the best we got. Just as Lineker, Owen & all the others were!

Tom Vos: The real winners of tonight's England game were the people who knew better and decided not to watch it!

Manager reaction

EPA

England manager Roy Hodgson on ITV: "We probed very well in the first half and asked a lot of questions of them. We started the second half poorly for 15 minutes, and Joe Hart had to make a couple of saves.

"But luckily we got ourselves going again with Danny Welbeck and Fabian Delph and got on top. We were good value for our victory.

"Raheem Sterling can consider playing through the middle. It's good to have those options. We changed the system quite radically with 25 minutes to go and that worked well. With a bit of luck we would have aggravated the score."

Would you make any changes to the team to face Switzerland on Monday night? Presuming everyone is fit that is?

Player reaction

England captain Wayne Rooney: "In the first half we moved the ball quite well. The second half we started really sloppy which was disappointing but we got the win in the end.

"The young players in the team will learn, we're still learning. It's always nervy taking a penalty but I'm confident from the spot and put my boot through it.

"Raheem Sterling is a threat, he gets at players. It doesn't always come off but he's an exciting player to watch. We all could have done better but it's a night where it was important to win."

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"I thought John Stones played really well and Raheem Sterling continues to grow. But I think Danny Welbeck has posed Roy Hodgson a massive problem to whom he picks on Monday."

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Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"I wasn't impressed with the 4-4-2 system but I liked Daniel Sturridge's movement although I thought Wayne Rooney was very quiet. Whether it was the pressure of the armband, he just didn't get in the game. Norway had no quality whatsoever and England caused their own problems with poor decision making."

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"Forget the result. You have to learn things about your team from friendlies like this and the first system England used was a bit slow. When they changed it to three in midfield it was more exciting and that's the system I'd like to see on Monday."

Reuters

HAVE YOUR SAY

BBC Radio 5 live

What did you make of that England performance? Do they lack leaders? Are there any reasons to be cheerful? Get in touch with Chris Waddle and Phil Neville, who are both at Wembley and want to hear from you.

You can text 85058 or call 0500 909 693. Tweet @bbc5live and #bbcfootball.

And don't forget to listen on BBC Radio 5 live after full-time....

Switzerland on Monday then and that could well be a testing evening for Roy Hodgson's men.

They could do with Gary Cahill fit for a start. 'Underwhelming' is the buzzword on 5 live...

FULL-TIME

It's all over! England win, the tube back to Euston Square will be running smooth as you like.

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Matt in Codall via text: I'm off to see England U20s play at Telford on Friday. I imagine there will be much more passion and pride exhibited there. At least I hope so.

Tom from Nottingham via text: Shocking attitude from some of you fans. Stop complaining about how boring it is and actually support the team. Players working their socks off for fans who don't care.

INJURY TIME

Into four minutes of added time. I'm not sure what Roy Hodgson was hoping to learn from tonight but I'd be surprised if he has.

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Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"Seeing Gary Cahill with ice on his ankle is a worry for England and Roy Hodgson. He is the one player we have to have fit. He's the first name on the team sheet against Switzerland because, with his experience, he can't be replaced."

SUBSTITUTION

Norway have a corner, England counter and it's four on two! Raheem Sterling finds James Milner and his shot is well blocked! Great counter.

Rickie Lambert replaces Danny Sturridge - something for him to get used to a club level?

HAVE YOUR SAY

BBC Radio 5 live

What did you make of that England performance? Do they lack leaders? Are there any reasons to be cheerful? Get in touch with Chris Waddle and Phil Neville, who are both at Wembley and want to hear from you.

You can text 85058 or call 0500 909 693. Tweet @bbc5live and #bbcfootball.

And don't forget to listen on BBC Radio 5 live after full-time....

Nice feet from Daniel Sturridge as he skips away from danger and tries to find Danny Welbeck but it's well cut out. The cameras pick out Gary Cahill with ice on his ankle. A worry for Monday?

SUBSTITUTION

Gary Cahill is off for a brief rest, as Phil Jagielka replaces him. Joe Hart now wears the armband, which went from Wayne Rooney to Cahill to Hart.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"It looked for a moment like Phil Jones might have turned his ankle. One eye is going to be on the game on Monday now. We don't want our centre-backs getting injured because we don't have much cover in that area."

Into the last 10 minutes then, as Gary Cahill clumsily concedes a throw-in. Fabian Delph then gives it away badly - my fault that one - but then wins it back well.

SUBSTITUTION

BBC

Calum Chambers joined Arsenal from Southampton for £16m in the summer. He has played just 30 first team games in his career. He is now an England player after replacing John Stones.

Fabian Delph may well be man-of-the-match. He's been excellent, winning it, giving it easy, zipping passes out wide.

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Luke: Maybe Louis van Gaal should have sold Wayne Rooney - not Danny Welbeck. Welbeck has already done more in two minutes.

Rob Symmons: Rooney only nine goals off breaking Charlton's record, and four years younger than Charlton's final game, yet continues to get stick!

Russell Pope: Wayne Rooney scores for England. Oh yeah it is a friendly. Roy will now come out and say it was a world class performance

FULL-TIME

A shot from Aiden McGeady's skimmed the Oman crossbar a minute from time. A comfortable win ahead of a much tough assignment against Georgia on Sunday.

Ryan Shawcross - the Irn-Bru to John Terry's Tizer. I could see more caps for him in the future, England are not exactly blessed with centre-halves right now.

Fabian Delph has made a difference, much more energy and zip in the midfield. He wins the ball back and starts a good attack which ends with Jordan Henderson flipping a shot over the crossbar.

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Richard via text: Forget about Gary Lineker promoting John Stones, England need steel in the back four. Ryan Shawcross magnificent against Man City.

BBC

Fabian Delph has played for England at Under-19 and Under-21 level and he now has a cap for the full side too.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"Danny Welbeck did very well - he looked sharp and it was a great shot with his right foot."

GREAT SAVE!

Arsenal's £16m investment Danny Welbeck rolls his man and batters in a low shot, really crisp hit and goalkeeper Orjan Nyland makes a strong save. That's more like it.

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England score with their first effort on target then. A nice habit to have, but preferably before the 68th minute.

Wayne Rooney is now fourth on the list of goalscorers for England on 41, behind only Jimmy Greaves, Gary Lineker and Sir Bobby Charlton. Not a bad frontline that.

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Paul Gibbons: That was hit with some venom.

Mark Lynch: Yay. . . Rooney's scored a goal, that proves he really is world class!

Former England and Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"Wayne Rooney hit that penalty with so much pace. Norway now have to come out and that might give England more space."

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SUBSTITUTION

Fabian Delph, James Milner and Danny Welbeck are on for England. They replace Wayne Rooney, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Change of system maybe too?

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Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"It's a penalty. Raheem Sterling used that pace he has and gets the touch just before the defender comes in."

GOAL

Booom! What a penalty. You don't save those. Wayne Rooney rattles in his 41st England goal. Barely deserved.

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PENALTY TO ENGLAND

Out of nothing, England have a spot-kick. Raheem Sterling is taken out by Omar Elabdellaoui...

GOAL

Alex Pearce's low shot from 12 yards sneaks inside the post to surely secure victory for the Republic of Ireland.

Grout in Wigan, drying paint in London. Some rock 'n roll lifestyles being lived out there...

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"We talked about players before the game who could come in and do a job for England. There's not much to pick from. Some of them aren't good enough at this level. A lot of these are here are very inexperienced at this level and you hope that they learn very quickly."

BBC

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Joe via text: I've seen more entertainment in paint drying.

David in London via text: Phew. I was just watching my paint dry and it all just got a bit too much. Luckily England are always there for me.

Steve in Hereford via text: Have I missed anything?

Daniel Sturridge has cut his head in a challenge and has some Terminator 2-style freezing spray applied to it. Ouch!

England have had the same number of shots on target as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland tonight. Zero.

Zip. Nil.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer at Wembley

"If anything the crowd is getting quieter - and this has given Norway greater encouragement. Worryingly for manager Roy Hodgson, England's defensive pair has looked a little vulnerable under slight pressure."

If we were at Villa Park it'd be rocking - there's 40,181 inside Wembley tonight. Can they get a goal to celebrate?

John Stones is now much more mobile than me, he seems to have shaken off that injury problem for now. Norway are by far the better side since the break.

Another injury now as John Stones twinges a calf. He's trying to run this one off but he's moving like me right now. Towing a fridge.

SUBSTITUTION

Mats Daehli is helped on to a stretcher and is now replaced by Anders Konradsen. Keep your fingers crossed Cardiff fans.

Robbie Savage

"Joe Hart Man of the Match v Norway at home. Wow."

The Republic of Ireland are denied by another goal-line clearance, this time Aiden McGeady's shot is kept out by Mohammad Al Musalami. Both sides have made numerous substitutions, contributing to a scrappy and disjointed second half.

AP

Bad news for Cardiff fans as midfielder Mats Daehli is down in a lot of pain clutching his knee. Oxygen needed, and now a stretcher. That looks a bit serious.

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James Jones: England are putting in usual substandard performance. It's not Roy's fault, the state of English football is to blame.

Simon McCauley: So the grass grew 0.036 inches during the first half of the England v Norway game.

GREAT SAVE!

Well played Joe Hart again, and it has to be, as Gary Cahill makes a mistake on the right flank, Josh King gets in and it's two-on-two, King goes for the cross/shot and Hart is big and strong to keep it out.

So sloppy at the back...

AP

Roy Hodgson rests a hand across his jaw. Puzzled, perplexed, pensive. Not good viewing for the sparse crowd so far. England started slowly and have gone backwards.

Former England and Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"That has got to be the wake-up call. England haven't got out and Norway have had good possession. Joe Hart just made the best save of the match - his only save so far."

GREAT SAVE!

Another brilliant set-piece, and a great save from Joe Hart! Blackburn forward Josh King beats John Stones in the air and Hart makes a big one-handed stop to claw it out.

Wake up England!

Norway looking the more lively side at the start of the second half. Mats Daehli wins a free-kick, great delivery and Jordan Henderson has to head it behind for a corner.

Former England and Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"England need to be better in the half and find a better final pass. They also need to play with a bit more flair and freedom."

Good hands from Joe Hart as he scoops up a low Mats Daehli cross into the box. A home defeat would not go down well at all...

Daily Mirror chief sports writer Oliver Holt: 'Loving the buzz', a message has just said on the big screen at Wembley. Buzz? More of a drone tonight really.

KICK-OFF

Here we go, back under way at Wembley.

If you thought the attendance at Wembley was poor - Russia were seen by 3,500 today as they beat Azerbaijan 4-0.

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Brian in Wigan via text: Think I'll go and watch the grouting in the downstairs loo drying.

That Angel Di Maria goal was very special indeed. He played a one-two on the halfway line, burst into space and then chipped over Roman Weidenfeller.

And it's a hat-trick for Angel Di Maria. . . a hat-trick of assists that is. An inswinging free-kick by the new £59.7m Manchester United signing is headed home by new Swansea City defender Federico Fernandez. Moments later a delicate chip by Di Maria makes it 4-0. Goodness me. I think Germany might have been celebrating their World Cup win too much. Andre Schurrle pulls a goal back but this is Argentina's night.

Reuters

Not the best 45 minutes for Wayne Rooney and co. Lift it Wayne!

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"England coach Roy Hodgson probably thought I'll get two or three goals and then take one or two off at half-time. I can see striker Rickie Lambert on to nick a goal."

PA

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Nathan Lissner: The Great English Bore Off.

Alex Smith: This is a replay of Iran v Nigeria from the World Cup.

BBC Sport's Mark Pougatch: To liven this up, the Norwegians should wear their helmets in the second half.

KICK-OFF

Back under way in Dublin.

Over to you Fabian Delph. Game changer?

Former England and Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"They've not been able to rebuild confidence. Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling are at the heart of good things. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has tried some bright things as has Jack Wilshere. It looks to me Wayne Rooney is trying too hard - everything he is doing is at 100mph."

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer at Wembley

"The first half ends to a wave of polite indifference. Goalless. Low key and quiet - very, very quiet."

Independent chief football correspondent Sam Wallace: Noise at Wembley like distant rumble of chatter among a large gathering at a hotel conference for a professional body you've never heard of.

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What do you think then? As friendlies go that was right up there with the least memorable...

Get in touch at #bbcfootball, the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

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Fans on Twitter are having their say say on England v Norway and the verdict is, well, that it's fairly boring.

#ThingsBetterThanBeingAtWembleyRightNow is riding high in second in the list of UK trending topics.

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Mohammed: You know it's quiet when you can hear the players shouting on the pitch.

Mark: England play at such a slow tempo when compared to same players playing for their club.

Kelly Taylor: Put Mary Berry in charge! You would fill Wembley twice over.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"There was just a loss of concentration from Joe Hart - it went through his hands, but stayed out of the net."

HALF-TIME

Norway captain Per Skjelbred whips in a free-kick but England defend well, holding a high line. But then Joe Hart almost has a calamity, dropping a routine cross from the right but very thankful to see the ball drop to safety.

I wonder what Mary Berry has made of this? A raised eyebrow maybe. A woman of few harsh words. It's all in the facial expressions.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"England captain Wayne Rooney is not playing his normal game - he's trying to force things and it's not happened."

PA

Sunday Times football correspondent Jonathan Northcroft: Norway are always more 'Norway' when there's a Flo on the pitch.

That's a very good penalty shout for England by the way. The defender did not get the ball and while Jack Wilshere was a bit theatrical in his fall he had justification for the penalty appeal.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

Empics

"From where we're sitting Jack Wilshere went down a little easy, but there looked to be a bit of contact."

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer at Wembley

"If ever a game was crying out for England to be back on the road this is it. Vast empty spaces in a cavernous stadium and a desperately subdued atmosphere - but the FA has already stated Wembley has to be paid for and it will be eight or nine years before they can have that choice. A sad fact of life."

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Ian in Croydon via text: It's not a half empty stands at Wembley that's embarrassing, it's the fact that there's no football playing nation in the world that England could be confident of beating.

Niall via text: Zzzz. . . What's new about watching England. . .Zzzz.

PENALTY APPEAL

Jack Wilshere goes into the box - Havard Nordtveit dives in and Wilshere eats turf. Penalty ref? Nope.

Lively from Josh King down the Norway left as he does John Stones for strength, cuts inside Gary Cahill and threads a pass into the middle - but Leighton Baines reads it well and shuts the door. Fine positional play.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"Regarding England in the final third, if you look at the way Germany, even when they get into the box, they pass it. Spain do it too. When those teams get in those positions they just have the ability to relax with either a pass or shot on goal."

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Andy Gee: It's not a treat watching England. If they played it up north I would only take my son as a punishment for not tidying his room.

Nate Bennett: Roy Hodgson doesn't exactly look like a man who knows what he's doing.

Myztik Allen: England should thank Arsene Wenger for keeping faith with English players.

SUBSTITUTION

Norway's man down can't continue, so Martin Linnes is replaced by Per Flo of Molde.

Norway have a man down and the players take the chance to come across for some drinks on the sideline. Roy Hodgson gives some detailed advice to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, lots of waving around.

Reuters

Another belting goal and another assist from Manchester United new boy Angel Di Maria in Dusseldorf where world champions Germany are clearly suffering a World Cup hangover.

Tottenham's Erik Lamela continues his bright start to the campaign with a beautiful cushioned 16-yard volley from Di Maria's pass. His first international goal. Germany are stunned.

HALF-TIME

Roy Hodgson looks pretty animated on the bench, barking orders out as his defence has to scurry around to clear at the back post.

PA

BBC

Just give it to Raheem Sterling. He is at the heart of everything good about England, this time taking it on his chest and laying off to the underlapping Leighton Baines, but his shot lacks venom and is blocked by Havard Nordtveit.

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James in Manchester via text: Is Daniel Sturridge aware he can pass the ball as well as shoot?

Dan in London via text: Two chances so far. One when the Liverpool players passed to each other and another where the Arsenal players passed to each other. Do I need to go on about how this symbolises English national football?

AP

Former England defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"The combination between Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling has been fantastic. Sturridge has been pulling off the back of defenders and making the runs through."

The Republic of Ireland come close to a second goal with Alex Pearce's header cleared off the line by Al Ghailani before a David Meyler chip finds the Oman woodwork.

Also, James McClean has pulled out of the squad for Sunday's European Championship qualifier against Georgia because of injury.

Empics

No-nonsense name. No-nonsense showing thus far. All good from full debutant John Stones at right-back in the opening 26 mins. Solid in the tackle and tidy on the ball.

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Andrew in Richhill via text: England fans have quite clearly voted with their feet, this attendance in a huge sporting arena like Wembley is nothing short of embarrassing!

Mick in Walsall via text: Seems a bit silly still playing all England home games at Wembley. Far better when it was spread round the country. Just shows the capital city population not interested.

Andy in Armagh via text: Has there been a fire alarm at Wembley and only half the crowd have been informed!? Where is everybody?

CLOSE!

Brilliant ball from Raheem Sterling, he is the man with the plan tonight. He lofts one over the top to find Daniel Sturridge inside the area, the ball bounces very high though and goalkeeper Orjan Nyland is up in his face before Sturridge can lift it over him.

Lift it he does, but the ball lands on the roof of the net. Fine try.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"There's some nice approach play. Oxlade-Chamberlain has got himself in a good position and England have been in two or three good positions, but it's just having that quality and composure to pick someone out."

Leighton Baines is finding all manner of space on the left but on three occasions he hits the first defender. A cardinal sin. It's up there with a foul throw in my book of footballing crimes...

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer at Wembley

"In an atmosphere more akin to a testimonial than an England international, there has been some bright early work from Liverpool's attacking pair of Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge. Some nice fast footwork but not able to force the breakthrough as yet."

Norway's first effort comes from the left boot of Tarik Elyounoussi, a low skidding effort from 25 yards which isn't caught too sweetly but does call Joe Hart into action. It was creeping in.

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Zelida Little: Wembley reminds me of when Wales's attendences started to plummet round 2008-ish at the Millennium Stadium. Sad to see.

Neil Hughton: That crowd is a perfect example why international friendlies should be held in grounds up and down England.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shows his pace down the right, walking past Vegard Forren but his cross is easily cut out. He had time to find a man there.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer at Wembley

"Interesting formation from England. There are four across the back, then Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson. In front of them Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Raheem Sterling are in wider positions with a freedom to roam. Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge are in the most advanced positions."

CLOSE!

This is better, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain almost gets in behind but is well seen out, before Phil Jones floats a header wide from the following corner. Roy Hodgson will be encouraged by this start. England playing at a promising tempo.

PA

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"It's lovely from Sturridge - he has got quick feet. It's just finding the composure to hit the target."

QPR midfielder Joey Barton

"Empty stadium doesn't make for good viewing. This is a national team. They should play all over the country. People losing touch with Team England because it is turning into a southern based, expensive, elitist club that constantly disappoints."

CLOSE!

Nice! Daniel Sturridge plays the ball in to Raheem Sterling's run, Sterling backheels the ball back into his path and Sturridge's curler is brilliantly defended. That was very sharp from the two Liverpool men.

BBC

What a ball! He has cost Manchester United £59.7m but Angel Di Maria has just given a glimpse of what Old Trafford can expect with a delicious pass for Sergio Aguero to volley home from close range for Argentina. A goal made in Manchester.

Former England defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"We are a victim of some of our success in the Premier League. We are paying vast amounts for foreign players and it's blocking the path for our young England players."

Wayne Rooney's arm is up and catches Norway defender Havard Nordtveit, draws blood in fact. No malice in that one but a nervy moment nonetheless for England's new captain. No further action taken from referee Jorge Sousa.

Full marks for enthusiasm from those England fans who have arrived tonight, it's pretty lively given the low attendance. 'Seven Nation Army' gets a rendition now as the men in white continue to dominate the play.

GOAL

Kevin Doyle has put the Republic of Ireland ahead - Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock will be pleased to have seen that from his deadline day signing. Doyle heads in at the near-post from Robbie Brady's in-swinging corner.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"When teams are just putting 10 people behind the ball - it's difficult. Norway are showing England respect. You have to be patient when it's like this - you have to move the ball quickly."

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Kerry Peter Parvin: Great British Bake Off on TV and England v Norway on laptop! Good viewing for a while I think!

It's been all England so far, decent and lively opening from Roy Hodgson's men. Not much width on display in the opening stages though.

Former England captain Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"Well it's not two lines of four. What we seem to have here, is a 4-2-2-2. Imaginative! Let's see if it works."

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Leighton Baines gets the nod, but loops his free-kick over the top. He's the oldest man in the team tonight.

Daniel Sturridge is sharp to dive out of a tackle and get a shot away - it's blocked well - but then Jack Wilshere is hauled down 25 yards out. Leighton Baines and Wayne Rooney over it...

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer at Wembley

"New England captain Wayne Rooney is already going around encouraging his team-mates - the first task will be to give this sparse, subdued crowd something to cheer, Been a long time since an England international at Wembley was played out in atmosphere like this."

Time is on my side...

BBC

John Stones made his senior debut for hometown club Barnsley in the Championship in March 2012 before being snapped up by Everton in January 2013. He played 22 times in the Premier League last season before winning his first England cap against Peru, in May. He is at right-back tonight.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"Both teams here are in the rebuilding process. With England you want to see a pattern, for the players to enjoy themselves and play at a good tempo. You look at the package to see if that's the way we structure up for the Euros."

The England band are in. Brass fanfare sets the tempo in the seats, Jordan Henderson looks to do so on the pitch. He's taken Steven Gerrard's deep-lying dictator role.

Independent chief football correspondent Sam Wallace: Norway's national anthem a bit too much like Germany's, albeit with some of the more critical notes removed. Not one of the classics. 4/10.

KICK-OFF

We are under way at Wembley. It's filled up a bit more now.

Getty Images

Anthems sung, hands shaken. We are go for launch at Wembley.

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Phil in Cardiff via text: England football or Great British Bake Off? Only because my wife's gone out and we'll watch GBBO later on iPlayer am I showing any interest in the England game.

Roy Hodgson

England manager speaking on ITV

"We are going to see lots of energy and enthusiasm. There are young players who have the chance to show their potential. It's a great opportunity to show the faith I have in them is justified.

"Regarding Wayne Rooney's role as captain - every team needs leadership. A captain alone can't galvanise the whole team. You need leaders in every area. But luckily I have leaders in those areas.

"This is an important dress rehearsal for the Switzerland game - that's the team I want to play against the Swiss."

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Ashley Williams: Roy Hodgson shouldn't be sacked. As a nation we expect too much. Time to accept that England is an average national team.

Nick Garbutt: If people have lost interest in England and don't want to watch them then why are they following the live text?? Get a grip.

Chris McAuliffe: My wife is English like myself but my Scottish mate's wife is Norwegian and she says 2-0 England.

The players are in the tunnel, Wayne Rooney heading the line-up in all-white tracksuits. Joe Hart gees them up with a 'come on lads, come on!'.

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England to win comfortably? Roy and Wayne will hope so...

Without going over the top - and there are still 10 minutes to go until kick-off - the crowd at Wembley looks pitiful. There were more people at a Johnstone's Paint final between MK Dons and Grimsby I covered once.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer at Wembley

"Surreal feel to proceedings at Wembley for this friendly with Norway. Thousands of empty seats and the top two tiers virtually deserted. England have lost the public's imagination after the failure at the World Cup in Brazil. There may not be much anger about after that dismal effort but, even more dangerously, there is apathy."

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Martin via text: Would this England side get in the Premier League's top 10?

Rich from London via text: England were dull to watch long before Roy came along. Unfortunately he just hasn't done anything to change it. Usual players from the usual teams. My only interest in this game is timing my journey home to avoid the traffic.

Mark from Berkshire via text: This is nothing more than a pre-season warm up game.

KICK-OFF

Game on...apparently about 6,000 watching.

BBC

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Ally K: Don't know why there's so much negativity. When England play, I'm always excited to get behind our team.

Rian Hoskins: In a year's time, there will be more optimism. Would have given Forster, Rose, Chambers and Delph a start as it is a friendly.

Andy J Walters: Has everyone forgotten that Wayne Rooney is the only world class player out there? And the only one to perform at the World Cup at that!

Reuters

Philipp Lahm is four weeks older than me. He's retired as a World Cup-winning captain, he's won the Bundesliga six times and a Champions League.

I'd best get busy this month eh?

Per Mertesacker, Miroslav Klose and Philipp Lahm get a guard of honour in Dusseldorf as they celebrate their international retirement. Not a bad trio are they?

Going out on the highest of highs - as World Cup winners.

Team News

It is 52 days since Germany overcame Argentina to lift the World Cup in Brazil, but the two teams are about to meet again in a re-run of the final. Argentina's starting line-up includes new Manchester United signings Marcos Rojo and Angel Di Maria. Manchester City's Sergio Aguero also starts in Dusseldorf but there is no Lionel Messi, who is nursing an injury.

Germany's side includes Fiorentina forward Mario Gomez, who was not involved in the World Cup.

Germany: Neuer, Durm, Howedes, Ginter, Grosskreutz, Kroos, Kramer, Schurrle, Reus, Draxler, Gomez. Subs: Weidenfeller, Zieler, Hummels, Rudy, Podolski, Muller, Gotze, Boateng, Rudiger.

Argentina: Romero, Rojo, Federico Fernandez, Demichelis, Zabaleta, Mascherano, Biglia, Perez, Di Maria, Lamela, Aguero. Subs: Andujar, Campagnaro, Gago, Higuain, Augusto Fernandez, Alvarez, Gaitan, Lavezzi, Basanta.

If we've learned anything so far this evening, it's that 5% of our readers have Norwegian wives...

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Tamim via text: England can't win. If they beat Norway it's because "it's only Norway" and if they lose, well that doesn't need explaining.

Peter via text: I lived in Stavanger, Norway, for some years. Roy Hodgson was the manager of the local side Viking a short while. My Norwegian wife doesn't care who wins. I guess she isn't the only one seeing how few tickets are sold.

Bob in London via text: Maybe if Roy Hodgson had been sacked like he should have been there would be more interest.

Half-baked?

BBC

It is potentially a dark evening for English football.

It may be tough going up against the Great British Bake Off these days, as the major TV channels will tell you, but tonight could well be a watershed moment.

More football fans could well choose to tune in to watch how a retired Merchant Navy seaman, a part-time upholsterer and an eco-friendly builder fare at making tarts than watch England face Norway.

And after the World Cup, who could really blame them?

I've just seen that Mario Gomez is back in the Germany side tonight after a long exile. Maybe the target man is not extinct after all...

Former England and Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"The captaincy is a big moment in Wayne Rooney's career. He was the only choice. I don't see another leader that commands the respect. Rooney is the obvious choice.

"I think it does matter for the England football team who is captain. For this England team, they will look to Rooney to take them through difficult moments, especially at Wembley."

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Neil in Dover via text: Whilst there is a sense of apathy towards the England team and manager which I can understand, I cannot but hope they win because England is my country and my passion.

Fuad in Sherborne via text: Is there any way of giving Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsay English nationality?

Just over half an hour to go until kick-off at Wembley then. It remains to be seen whether John Stones or Phil Jones will play at right-back - but Stones is wearing the number two shirt.

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Tom Blakey: If Roy Hodgson learnt from his World Cup mistakes he'd start Rickie Lambert and drop Wayne Rooney. Waste of time.

Mark Walsh: I lost all interest in England years ago, Roy has done nothing to change that especially with making Rooney captain.

Andrew Scanlan: Will England ever win a major tournament again?

England/Twitter

Roy Hodgson and Morten Gamst Pedersen meet in the Wembley tunnel. reminiscing about their times at Blackburn no doubt. Roy's grasp of Swedish is second to none of course, can he speak a bit of Norwegian too?

No need for subtitles on Scandi-drama night on BBC Four for old Roy...

Former England defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"The low crowd has as much to do with the opposition - this fixture has not caught the imagination of the public. You have to entice the fans with the best footballers in the world."

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"It's a new era and young side. I'd like to see Swansea duo Nathan Dyer and Jonjo Shelvey and West Ham midfielder Mark Noble in the side. I think Dyer's been excellent since Swansea got promoted. He's never been looked upon or mentioned.

"If someone like Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross went to Arsenal instead of Calum Chambers he'd be in the squad tonight."

That's a good idea that Chris. Have you contacted the FA? I think that Scotland may do something similar.

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Jenni via text: The average age of this starting England side is just 24. It's great to see Roy Hodgson and England putting faith in youth, even though it is three months too late!

Andrew via text: This exciting, youthful and attacking England team that has been named for this game should have been the same team that started the opening game of the World Cup v Italy. It was Roy Hodgson's negativity and defensive mindset that cost England in the summer, it's time to change that attitude.

Chris and Rob in West Hampstead via text: What would get us to every Euro 2016 qualifier? Offer a season ticket. Decent seat, average £20 per seat. Reward loyalty, just like clubs do.

PA

Shay Given returns to the Republic of Ireland team after coming out of international retirement. The Aston Villa keeper's last appearance for the Irish came against Italy at the Euro 2012 finals in Poland. Darron Gibson also makes his comeback with the Everton midfielder having recovered from a cruciate ligament injury suffered against Kazakhstan last October.

Republic boss Martin O'Neill will be hoping for a confidence-boosting win, along with no injuries, ahead of Sunday's opening European Championship qualifier against Georgia in Tbilisi.

Republic of Ireland: Given, Meyler, Keogh (c), Pearce, Ward, Pilkington, Gibson, Quinn, Brady, Hoolahan, Doyle.

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Max Kurn: Hopefully a half empty Wembley will give the players a wake up call about just how frustrated the fans are.

PA

William Cundall: Doesn't matter about the World Cup, if you're an England fan you stick by them through the worst of days.

Martyn Wrather: Success at last for Roy Hodgson - he has succeeded in making me not wanting to watch England.

What next?

After facing Norway, England begin their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in Switzerland on Monday.

The first priority tonight will not to pick up any injuries then. West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster is out and will also miss the Switzerland game, although his club says it is "optimistic" the injury suffered on England duty is not a serious one.

Well spotted George's girlfriend! A schoolboy error there - I have corrected it. Feel free to send more Norwegian-based lines our way...

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George in London via text: My Norwegian girlfriend wants to point out that Gamst Pedersen's first name is Morten, not Morgan. This is the only time ever she is going to correct you on football trivia.

Team News

Norway's starting XI is in - Josh King of Blackburn and Cardiff midfielder Mats Daehli both play. Full line-up to follow.

@henrywinter

Daily Telegraph football correspondent Henry Winter: Not a huge rush. . .

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More from Club England chief Adrian Bevington: "Worth noting that the England crowd tonight will be higher than many in build up to Euro 96 when several were well under 30,000. 50% of England v Norway tickets were £30 and lower. There were more family £20 and £10 tickets than normal. A high percentage purchased the most expensive tickets."

"You're supposed to be at home!"

If Germany can play a friendly in Dusseldorf, why not move this one to Anfield, White Hart Lane, Villa Park or Pride Park?

Well it turns out that England might not be able play home games away from Wembley for "eight to nine years" until the Football Association is "debt free", according to Club England chief Adrian Bevington.

The national team played at grounds across England while Wembley was being rebuilt for £757m from 2000 to 2007.

"[Wembley] has to be paid for," Bevington wrote on Twitter.

"The reality is that the FA has to put events calendar on to do this. When debt free in 8/9 years, more choice."

Steve Wilson

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Now Uefa have reduced qualifying for Euro 2016 to a complete non-event the FA must either get used to empty Wembley seats or cut prices."

Elsewhere this evening

Getty Images

It's been all of six weeks since Germany beat Argentina in the World Cup final, but the two giants are already meeting up again.

Joachim Low's champions host the runners-up in Dusseldorf in the pick of tonight's friendlies.

One other match of note sees Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland face Oman. One for Wigan keeper Ali Al-Habsi to enjoy there.

BBC Radio 5 live

Tune in to 5 live now for tonight's coverage from Wembley.

@england

England: Shirts for Raheem Sterling, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere.

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We asked if you were excited about Roy Hodgson's new-look side? The answer, so far, appear to be. . .no.

Davey Jay: If Roy plays Wayne Rooney out wide again it'll just prove how clueless he is. Learn from mistakes, don't repeat them.

Rob Gallagher: I hope people don't overreact and herald a new golden generation if England win. They're still miles away from the world elite.

Paul Gibbons: Phil Jones at centre-back? This is going to be a fun watch.

Ten, 15, even 20 years ago there was a smattering of Norwegian players at the top of the English game. But tonight's squad is bereft of household names, with former Blackburn veteran Morten Gamst Pedersen and Cardiff midfielder Mats Daehli arguably the most noticeable to Premier League fans.

Chief danger man could be Hoffenheim striker Tarik Elyounoussi, who has eight international goals to his name.

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Brent in London via text: Going along tonight as my mate has got free tickets through work. Otherwise I wouldn't even bother watching it on TV.

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Former England captain Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"If England are going with Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge up top, then surely the midfield will be a diamond and not a flat four? He wouldn't, would he? Can't play with straight lines anymore. Got to have depth and layers. Can get away with it against rubbish, but not good sides."

Getty Images

You have to go back 20 years for the last time these sides met at Wembley, when a hybrid team of World Cup '90 veterans and Euro '96 hopefuls ground out a 0-0 draw in front of 65,000.

A back four of Rob Jones, Steve Bould, Tony Adams and Graeme Le Saux shut out Jan-Aage Fjortoft and co. But look at those kits! That hair! Mid-90s gold.

Last time we met

BBC

It is only just over two years since these sides last met - as Roy Hodgson picked up a 1-0 win in his first game in charge. You may remember Ashley Young scoring the only goal?

You may well not do. Phil McNulty's match report from Oslo has a paragraph which begins:

"And while the performance hardly set pulses racing..."

Copy. Paste?

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Former England captain Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"Genuinely optimistic about the England team's future. It may take time but there is a shed load of talent coming through."

Evolve, not revolve

England manager Roy Hodgson says his new-look team can banish the "scar" of their failed World Cup campaign - starting tonight.

Long-serving midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have announced their international retirements, and Hodgson included four uncapped players in his squad.

Arsenal defender Calum Chambers, Tottenham left-back Danny Rose, Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph and Newcastle's Jack Colback are all in the squad - though none start tonight.

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Simon Townley: Lived in Norway for a while. Beer is pricey and the winter is long. Scenery's good though. They love beating England.

Tune in

BBC Radio 5 live

You can of course hear full commentary of tonight's international at Wembley on BBC Radio 5 live.

Mark Pougatch is your man in the driving seat from 19:00 BST, before new chief football correspondent John Murray takes charge. He is joined in the Wembley comms box by Ian Dennis and former England internationals Phil Neville and Chris Waddle.

You can listen within this page and also online here.

Team News

BBC

Roy Hodgson has named his team to face Norway tonight, with Wayne Rooney now installed as the new captain. How many of these men will line up at the Euro finals in two years' time? Presuming England qualify of course.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Getty Images

A new start, or a new low for England then?

Are you excited about Roy Hodgson's new-look side (*not new) or do you have grave concerns? Did you turn down a ticket for tonight? What would it take for you to consider going to watch an England friendly?

Is Wayne Rooney the right man for the captaincy? Do England have enough leaders?

Can Jack Wilshere be England's main man? Anyone ever been to Norway at all?

Get in touch at #bbcfootball the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer at Wembley

"A brass band is bashing out Michael Jackson's "Thriller" near Wembley's main entrance - not exactly the sentiments shared by England's fans, many of whom are expected to give this friendly with Norway a wide berth.

"It's the first step back on the road to rehabilitation for England manager Roy Hodgson and his players after their dismal World Cup in Brazil - it will hopefully provide some confidence ahead of next Monday's opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland in Basel."

It is 10 weeks since England limped out of the World Cup with a remarkably tepid 0-0 draw against the mighty Costa Rica, and the fans have voted with their feet, and wallets, this evening.

The previous lowest crowd for an international at the rebuilt Wembley was the 48,876 for a friendly against Sweden in 2011. So at least this current side may break one record...

@ollieholt22

Daily Mirror chief sports writer Oliver Holt: Wembley - how it's going to look two minutes before kick-off.

England are back! And they are not exactly the hottest ticket in town.

Tickets are very much still available for tonight's friendly against Norway, and we could well see a record low attendance at the new stadium. Under 40,000 are expected - more League Two play-off final than international football at its best.

All set for Roy Hodgson and co?

Nordic Noir

"Hello mate. Are you free this evening? I've got a spare ticket for Wembley if you want it?"

"Wembley? What's on?"

"England are playing!"

Reuters

"Are they? Oh. World Cup qualifier is it?"

"No. It's a friendly actually. Against Norway."

PA

"Norway? Oh well. All the big names playing are they? Tore Andre Flo, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, Oyvind Leonharsen?"

"Well - no, You're a bit out of touch there. Vegar Eggen Hedenstad is in the squad. And Tarik Elyounoussi. You'll get to see Phil Jones and Jordan Henderson though...

"Hello? Hello?!"