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Norway win means England wait

Norway are through to the second qualifying round after a mini-tournament victory that leaves last season's semi-finalists England in danger of elimination.

Danielle Carter (right) scored twice for England but their progress is not assured
Danielle Carter (right) scored twice for England but their progress is not assured ©Sportsfile

Norway top
Going into the first qualifying round Group 10 decider in Estonia, Norway led England on goal difference after both had beaten Greece and the hosts, and Jan-Roar Saltvik's side needed only a point to secure a guaranteed place in the last 16. And Norway were to secure a 2-1 victory that puts them in the 19 November draw but leaves England hoping to end as one of the six runners-up across the ten groups with the best record against the teams ending first and third in their section. They may not discover for sure until late October, though they currently rank first of the three runners-ups so far known.

Opening wins
As expected, England and Norway dominated the group from the start. On Matchday 1 England defeated Greece 4-0 with goals from Naomi Cole and Danielle Carter – who both were in last season's finals squad – as well as Lauren Bruton and Paige Eli. Meanwhile Norway beat Estonia 7-0 including four Lisa-Marie Utland goals, two by Emilie Haavi and one from Anette Tengesdal. Norway were then to match England's scoreline against Greece, Utland and Ina Skaug striking int he first half and Tengesdal finding the target on 70 and 72 minutes. England remained behind on goal difference as their margin of victory against Estonia was 3-0. Burton struck in the 16th minute and late on there were goals by Bethanie Gardener and 15-year-old Carter.

England wait
A year ago Norway finished second in their first qualifying round group behind Germany and only progressed as one of the best runners-up; this time they left nothing to chance with their 2-1 win against England as Emilie Haavi and Else Vassbø struck either side of half-time though Eli did pull one back with five minutes remaining. Saltvik said: "We will be ranked at the top now so we will avoid the toughest opponents. With a little luck in the draw I think we can reach the European Championship." Greece had the consolation of third place as they drew 1-1 with Estonia.