A late error from Ellie Roebuck saw 10-player Norway hold England to a 1-1 draw in Spain, although the Lionesses still ended 2022 with an unbeaten record.
Although billed as a friendly, there were a number of interesting storylines surrounding the game. England beat Norway 8-0 in the group stages of Euro 2022, with former England interim manager and Team GB head coach Hege Riise now in charge of the Lionesses’ opponents.
Norway pressed early on too as a much-changed England struggled to find their feet, but a sweeping Chloe Kelly cross was nodded home by Daly – who played much of the game in attack – to see the Lionesses ahead in the 33rd minute.
The goal seemed to inject some confidence into Sarina Wiegman’s side and they were handed a further advantage when Norway defender Anja Sonstevold was sent off for two quick fouls on Nikita Parris.
But a lapse in concentration from Roebuck saw Frida Maanum equalise. The Arsenal forward charged towards the area as the goalkeeper raced to meet her from the other direction. Roebuck then mis-cued her kick, taking her eye off it for a moment and allowing Maanum to roll the ball into the open net.
England desperately searched for a winner, but were unable to find the target as Riise celebrated with high fives and smile with her staff at full-time. But the Lionesses remain unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman, capping off a historic 2022.
More to follow…
What’s next for England Women?
England’s first fixtures in 2023 will come in the Arnold Clark Cup in February as they look to defend their title.
The Lionesses face South Korea on Thursday, February 16 at Stadium MK in their opening game, also facing Belgium and Italy in the round-robin tournament.
