Coaches herald 'heroic' defensive display

Jarl Torske and Mo Marley were united in praise for their resilient back lines after Norway and England played out a battling goalless draw in Molodechno that left both trainers content. Torske said his team "defended heroically" as Marley, whose England side conceded a fair few centimetres in height, said "somebody forgot to tell" her charges they are small. Those players were visibly disappointed at the end of the game after having the better of the second half but Marley – like her Norwegian counterpart – was happy with a Group B point.

Mo Marley, England manager
We knew it was going to be a tough game. We knew Norway would come out strong, looking for the victory. We were looking for the victory as well but their style, the fact they're stronger, bigger and pressed really well – we struggled to get our momentum today, especially compared to the Sweden game. That's a credit to Norway, the way they set up against us. They stifled our play, we were a little bit edgy, but while my players are disappointed I actually think it's a valuable point gained. Normally we'd have lost that game so this is progress. We just lacked that little bit of extra quality and flair due to the physical pressure they were under.

Norway pressed us really well [in the first half] and my players were a bit surprised by that. We like to give the players a bit of responsibility and they needed to recognise on the pitch so that they had a bit more time. That was the difference in the second half. I thought we defended exceptionally well throughout, especially with the way Norway play, what their strengths are. We are a small side, but the players don't appreciate that they're small – somebody forgot to tell them. We can physically compete, get involved in the game. We might be small but we've definitely got spring, definitely got presence about us. We knew we had to defend well today – that was our first priority – and I have to compliment my players as I thought we defended resolutely today against a strong, powerful attack-minded force.

Jarl Torske, Norway coach
We started well, created some good chances early on and controlled the first 30-35 minutes. England didn't have a chance until just before half-time. The second half was a bit more even and, of course, we lost our captain and had some problems with our shape but I think we defended heroically. We have to be honest and admit that England were close to getting a winning goal in the second half and considering that I'm quite pleased with the result. England have always been difficult opponents for Norway – we usually lose – and considering their strong win against Sweden I think we stood up and gave them a good match.

Before the game, in my head, I thought 'the final match will be decisive'. We knew England would be tough and I was prepared for having to beat Sweden to get into the semi-finals. It may also be important to get third in the group, but we go for the semi-finals. We will need to score though. We're getting into the right areas, making progress down the flanks, but when we get there there are not enough players in front of goal, that's a problem. And at times our first touch in the key areas is not good enough; we don't exploit our ability to get into good positions. The skill isn't high enough. We've hit the woodwork three times now so we're getting closer.