England vs Norway: Talking points as Lionesses look to end historic year on a high
The Lionesses were crowned European champions on home soil this summer
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Your support makes all the difference.European champions England take on Norway in a friendly in Spain on Tuesday .
It will be the final calendar outing in what has been a momentous year for the Lionesses, whose triumph at Euro 2022 saw them become the first England side to win a major trophy since 1966.
Here we take a look at some of the main talking points ahead of the game.
Can England stay unbeaten in final outing of 2022
England’s match on Tuesday is their second successive friendly in Spain, having beaten Japan 4-0 last week, and they will be looking to continue a remarkable run of form when they take on the Norwegians.
Under Sarina Wiegman, England have gone 25 matches unbeaten, winning 22, and having scored 124 goals while conceding only six.
A chance for the youngsters
The Lionesses will be without a number of key players for the match and that offers a chance for some of the squad’s lesser-known names to show what they can do.
Euro 2022 player of the tournament Beth Mead recently withdrew from the squad due to family reasons, Lucy Bronze has returned to club Barcelona with a minor injury while Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Lauren Hemp were already absent due to injury and illness.
Jess Park, 21, scored on her debut against Japan and Wiegman will be hoping some of the other younger players can step up.
Norway revenge
England hammered Norway 8-0 in the group stage of the Euros at Brighton. It was an embarrassing defeat for a country who had previously boasted a good record in women’s football.
This match will be the first time the sides have met since and it offers the chance for a new-look Norway to show England what they can be capable of.
Familiar name in charge
Norway’s new manager Hege Riise – who took charge after they failed to reach the knockout stages of Euro 2022 – is no stranger to England.
She was interim head coach of the Lionesses ahead of Wiegman’s arrival and also led Team GB at the 2020 Olympics. Her inside knowledge of some of the England players could prove key as Norway seek to overcome the European champions.
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