Natasha Dowie
Reading and England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

With this heat, coming into the ground I was a bit concerned. The shade has come in now. It's hot.

When I've watched Northern Ireland they've done well for 60-70 minutes, really compact, but then they concede a lot of late goals. Not just one but two, three, four goals towards the end of games. They only have two or three in a full-time professional environment. I think that will tell throughout the tournament.

It's important they use their subs well. Fitness will be a big factor.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at St Mary's

Northern Ireland came out for their warm-up as the Norway team was being announced over the tannoy in the stadium.

The Norwegian cheers for each player were immediately drowned out by the Green and White Army, and in response there was a nice round of applause from the players back to the green shirts, many of whom are family and friends.

That's an early 1-0 to Northern Ireland.

The atmosphere is brewing here at St Mary's.

We know the stadium won't be close to being full, but it's clear already that the support from both sets of fans will be passionate and lively.

The players are still out warming up, with Northern Ireland manager Kenny Shiels' son Dean putting the players through their paces.

Opening night lived up to all expectations at Old Trafford.

With England dreaming big this summer, the Theatre of Dreams was the ideal setting for the launch of Euro 2022 on a night that will be remembered for the occasion rather than the Lionesses' performance.

The BBC's Neil Johnston reflects on a memorable occasion as the Euro 2022 show got on the road.

Image source, Rex Features

While their last two meetings with Norway ended in heavy defeats, Northern Ireland do have some more positive history with the Norwegians.

Back in 2011, a home team that included current players Kirsty McGuinness, Ashley Hutton and Rachel Furness caused an upset when they beat the visitors 3-1 in Lurgan.

Making her debut for Norway that night was a certain youngster by the name of Ada Hegerberg. She has done OK since.

Read some reflections on that game here.

Image source, Pacemaker

"Let's go and make history" was the message from the organisers ahead of these Euros - and it appears that this tournament is set to do just that.

A record-breaking 500,000 tickets - twice as many as attended the previous Euros in the Netherlands in 2017 - have been sold, with the final being staged at a sold-out Wembley on 31 July.

"We can't wait to get the ball rolling," said Nadine Kessler, Uefa chief of women's football.

Read more detail here about a record-breaking tournament.

Image source, Reuters

It was Monday that Kenny Shiels and his Northern Ireland squad arrived in Southampton

As they boarded their plane at George Best Belfast City Airport, experienced defender Julie Nelson and winger Lauren Wade gave their thoughts on what lay ahead for the history-making team.

Both sets of players are currently on the St Mary's pitch warming up.

It's been a really hot day on the south coast and two-thirds of the surface is currently in the shade.

Forty-five minutes until kick-off.

Tuesday, 13 April 2021 is a date that will forever be etched in the minds of players, coaches and supporters of the Northern Ireland women’s football team.

It was the night when, in a tight-knit empty stadium on north Belfast’s Shore Road, the impossible became possible as Kenny Shiels’ squad defeated Ukraine in a play-off to become the first NI women’s team ever to qualify for a major tournament.

Before the squad departed for Southampton, Andy Gray caught up with some of the key players to get their memories of an historic night.

Read more here.

Image source, Pacemaker

Northern Ireland men's captain Steven Davis has sent his support to the the women's team ahead of their opening match in the tournament.

Some of the younger members of the Green and White Army have been enjoying the Southampton sunshine this afternoon.

It is estimated that around 3,000 Northern Ireland fans will be in the St Mary’s stadium tonight to cheer on their team as they make history.

Image source, Press Eye

Image source, Press Eye

Image source, Press Eye

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at St Mary's

It was the 'will she, won't she?' story in the build-up to Northern Ireland's maiden Euros campaign, but Marissa Callaghan is only fit for a place on the bench after injuring her toe at the end of May.

There was a feeling that would be the case following the press conference on Wednesday, and Sarah McFadden is the perfect candidate to take over the captain's armband.

There's no doubt Callaghan's presence will be missed, however McFadden is true leader and warrior who epitomises the fighting spirit in this side.

Norway

Image source, BBC Sport

It will come as no surprise, but superstar and former Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg starts for Norway.

It will be a first match in a major tournament for the Lyon forward after her self-imposed five-year exile from the side.

She is joined in attack by Barcelona's Caroline Graham Hansen - a player some of the Northern Ireland squad credit as being the best they have ever faced.

Norway team: Pettersen, Sonstevold, Thorisdottir, Mjelde, Engen, Hansen, Reiten, Hegerberg, Eikeland, Blakstad, Maanum.

Image source, BBC Sport

There is a serious amount of top, top talent taking part in these Euro 2022 finals.

Who are the stars to look out for? BBC Sport has picked out 10 players who could have a big impact for their countries across the next few weeks.

Northern Ireland

Image source, BBC Sport

The key team news from the Northern Ireland dressing room was always going to focus on whether captain Marissa Callaghan would start.

And she doesn't.

She hasn't played since suffering a toe injury in May and is on the bench as experienced defender Sarah McFadden takes the captain's armband.

There is no place for talented winger Kirsty McGuinness in the starting line-up, while young defender Abbie Magee and midfielder Chloe McCarron are named in the side.

Northern Ireland team: Burns, Vance, McFadden, Nelson, McCarron, Magill, Furness, Burrows, Wade, Caldwell, Magee.

Subs: Flaherty, Turner, McKenna, Hutton, Callaghan, K McGuinness, Holloway, Rafferty, McDaniel, Wilson, Andrews, C McGuinness.

Norway are appearing at the finals for the 12th time. Their two titles in 1987 and 1993 mean that only Germany (8) have lifted the trophy more often.

Image source, Getty Images

MMA fighter Leah McCourt will be in Northern Ireland's corner tonight as they begin their quest to make the knockout stage.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at St Mary's

There was a growing buzz around ahead of kick-off tonight as Southampton turns green.

It seems every time you leave the hotel there are more Northern Ireland shirts taking over the famous city.

I’ve heard around 11,000 are expected at St Mary’s tonight, with many of those here to cheers on Kenny Shiels’ history-making side.

It’s been some journey to get here, not just for the players but for family, friends and supporters, too. Regardless of what happens on the pitch, this is likely to be a night to remember.

The pressure was on England last night but the hosts held their nerve to beat Austria 1-0 at Old Trafford in the tournament opener.

A first-half goal from Arsenal winger Beth Mead was enough for victory in front of a record crowd for a European Women's Championship game at Old Trafford.