England's women enjoyed the perfect start to their Euro 2022 campaign, with Beth Mead's goal in the 16th minute enough for Sarina Wiegman's side to secure victory in front of a record crowd at the Old Trafford.
However, they will face a stronger test of their credentials in the next match, which sees the Lionesses face the 11th ranked side in the world in a match which is likely to decide the winner of Group A. Should England beat Norway on Monday then they will all but seal their place at the top of Group A, and potentially an easier opponent in the quarter-finals.
The Norwegians boast quality players in their ranks, with 2018 Ballon D'Or winner alongside Barcelona's Caroline Graham Hansen in attack. Hegerberg was part of a successful Lyon side which beat Graham Hansen's Barcelona side in the Champions League final, and returns from five years of international exile for this tournament.
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With such a renowned player coming up against England, all eyes will be on the 26-year-old, who will face Northern Ireland with her teammates in their first outing of this year's Euros. In an interview with William Hill, England's record appearance maker Fara Williams has said that, with Hegerberg in the side, we could well see the fixture repeated in the final of the tournament.
She explained: “I’m excited to see Hegerberg again. She smashed the Champions League this year with Lyon and I think she strengthens their team massively. I think Norway are a bit of a dark horse and if they can keep their starting 11 fit through the tournament, we could see an England-Norway final.”
England are unbeaten under new boss Sarina Wiegman and will be hoping to win a tournament in which their best performance has previously been two final appearances. Williams was part of the 2009 team which made the Euros final in Finland and has backed the current side to go one step further.
She said: “I really think England are going to win the Euros this summer. I think the manager, Sarina Wiegman, will be a massive factor with her previous experience of winning it with Netherlands and I think she’ll bring that to England.”
