England began the inaugural UEFA Women’s U-23 European League with a 1-1 draw away to Norway at Bryne Stadium.
Emma Coates’ first game in charge of the side saw the Young Lionesses take the lead in the latter stages, only to be pegged back by the hosts for a point each.
In the first half, Missy-Bo Kearns came closest to scoring for England with a header from Jessica Naz’s cross, while Lucy Thomas had to tip a header from Sara Horte onto the bar.
Poppy Pattison’s free-kick rattled the outside of the post but the deadlock was finally broken inside the last 15 minutes, as Aggie Beever-Jones headed Freya Gregory’s cross into the top corner.
Norway took just three minutes to equalise, when Thea Kyvag was put through on goal to fire past Thomas into the bottom corner.
Anouk Denton might have restored the lead but Sunniva Skoglund clawed her effort away from the top corner, after which England had to scramble clear a stoppage-time threat.
England continue their European League fixtures on Monday 25 September, when hosting Belgium at Shrewsbury Town FC (7pm), with tickets available here.
