Honours even for England and Norway

England and Norway go into Sunday's final round of Group B matches with hopes of advancing very much alive after an attritional goalless draw in Molodechno.

Tårnes blow
Both sides had enjoyed the better of their opening games, even if Norway's reward was just a solitary point against Iceland. They had the better for large swathes at the Gorodskoi Stadium, but struggled to adapt when they lost talismanic captain June Tårnes to a broken leg just after the hour. England were stronger thereafter – Jordan Nobbs firing over from point-blank range in the last minute – but could not find the breakthrough so will need a point against Iceland to guarantee progress. Norway will have to beat Sweden.

Aerial threat
So impressive in their victory against Sweden, England struggled to gain fluency. They could have been behind inside 60 seconds as Cecilie Liane's free-kick fell kindly for Hege Hansen but her cute effort was palmed clear by the agile Rebecca Spencer. It was a sign of things to come as Norway sought to use their obvious height advantage, the set-piece delivery of Liane and Eirin Kleppa providing a constant menace. It was from open play, however, that Kristine Wigdahl Hegland almost scored on ten minutes. The winger drifted between the England centre-backs to collect a fine aerial pass but could not get sufficient purchase on her shot.

Bright spell
England did raise a cheer when one of their defenders managed to launch her clearance right over the crowded tribune, and as the half wore on they gained more welcome applause. Much of Marley's team's positive play was coming through the indefatigable Toni Duggan yet it was England's full-backs who came closest to finding the breakthrough just before half-time. Having scored a stunning goal against Sweden, Chelsea Weston almost added another in similar style when she forced Ingrid Thorbjørnsen to tip over with a rasping long-range drive. From the resulting corner, left-back Gilly Flaherty headed just wide.

Thorbjørnsen save
England's defenders were forced into more familiar surroundings soon after the restart, Lucia Bronze denying Hegland and then Hansen with well-timed tackles. They needed to be. Having found their stride again Norway were knocked off it as Tårnes was carried off and it was England that ended the match on top, Jade Moore and Flaherty both firing just off target while Thorbjørnsen pulled out an impressive save to deny Nobbs from range.