Asante strike lifts England

Coach Hope Powell declared herself "very pleased" with England’s 1-0 defeat of fellow UEFA European Women’s Championship contenders Norway in Barnsley on Friday night.

First success
The Arsenal LFC midfielder Anita Asante scored the only goal in the 34th minute, enabling England to record their first ever success against the Norwegians, the only nation to have won European, world and Olympic titles. In addition to Asante, the Birmingham City LFC goalkeeper Jo Fletcher stood out, three excellent saves earning her the player of the match award.

'Tough game'
"I was very pleased," Powell told thefa.com. "It was a really tough game and we struggled to cope with their pace at times in the first half, but we got better as the game went on. I knew the players had it in them and they’ve shown they can do it. Everybody was elated at the end of the game - but our good run counts for nothing when we get to the tournament and the players are under no illusions about that."

Late drama
Another plus for England saw Kelly Smith return to action following a series of injuries. The Arsenal striker, arguably England’s greatest ever female player, wasted little time in showing her class, curling in a shot which struck the Norway crossbar. The visitors almost grabbed an equaliser in added time but Fletcher somehow flicked a deflection off England captain Faye White on to the bar.

Final friendlies
Powell is now left with “nice problems” as she contemplates naming the 20 players which will represent the host nation at UEFA WOMEN’S EURO 2005™ this summer ahead of England’s final friendly against the Czech Republic on Thursday 26 May. Norway coach Bjarne Berntsen will do likewise before his side conclude their preparations against Canada on 31 May.