European U21 Championship: England v Norway preview

England need to get their European U21 Championship campaign back on track when they take on Norway in their second group game on Saturday.

Stuart Pearce's side were beaten 1-0 by Italy in their opening match as a second-half free-kick by Lorenzo Insigne proved decisive in Tel Aviv. England could have few complaints about the outcome after a poor performance and they have been heavily criticised over the past few days. Pearce admitted it was a disappointing display and was left to rue the absence of key players from his squad, with the likes of Phil Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in friendly action for the senior team last week rather than gaining experience of tournament football with the Under 21s. Another defeat in Petah Tikva this weekend would end England's chances of advancing to the semi-finals but Pearce is confident his men can return to winning ways. Norway will also be looking for a victory after kicking off their tournament with a 2-2 draw against host nation Israel. They twice had to come from behind in that fixture, with Harmeet Singh finding the net in injury time to salvage a point.Nottingham Forest midfielder Henri Lansbury will miss the clash in Petah Tikva with a groin strain, which also ruled him out of the opener against Italy. Danny Rose and Tom Ince missed that game through suspension but are available for selection, as is Wilfried Zaha despite an ankle complaint. Left-back Vegar Hedenstad is suspended after being sent off in the first half against Israel so Martin Linnes should deputise, Singh is pushing for a starting spot after coming off the bench to net the equaliser.