England face ‘big problem’ in Norway’s Hegerberg, returning after five-year absence

When England take on Norway at Brighton’s AmEx stadium, the phrase ‘dark horse’ will be getting plenty of air time, all because of one player.

The Norwegians might not have the world-class calibre of a Spain, Netherlands or even England side, but they can almost make up for it with one superstar player.

The Women’s Champions League’s all-time top scorer, Ada Hegerberg is unstoppable on her day, and will be a true test of England’s back five that some consider the tournament’s best.

Former England international Gemma Davison told talkSPORT ahead of Monday evening’s clash, which is live on talkSPORT: “They’re solid defensively, Leah Williamson and Millie Bright.

“They’ve got some great experience in the team, Lucy Bronze goes without saying, the leadership that she’s got, Alex Greenwood, there’s a lot of experience in that back line.

“We just need to make sure we finish our chances in front of goal, but that’s why Sarina [Wiegman] has gone for a bulk of attacking options in the side because you’re going to need that last bit, that last bit is the difference which is breaking deadlocks and scoring goals.”

Finishing won’t be an issue for Norway though, due to their No.14.

“Hegerberg is a big big problem for England,” Davison said. “She will be one to watch this tournament.

“Immediately the thought came into my mind – ‘I think I’ll have to stop playing for the national team’. [Then] everything just ran off and I started to sleep well again.

“It can be tough to stand alone for something you believe in. But that’s something I’m willing to take to keep my values, and what I believe in and where I want to go.

“I was really honest with the national team representative. What I felt wasn’t good enough – it’s not good enough.”

The Norwegian football federation have since made steps to address the inequality in the women’s game, doubling the remuneration pot from 3.1million Norwegian crowns (£250,000), to 6m (£490,000).

Hegerberg remained committed to her stance, but with the women’s game growing at an extraordinary rate thanks to stars like herself, Euro 2022, and the extraordinary fanfare that has accompanied it, proved too much to miss.

“It feels incredibly good to be back,” she said upon ending her five-year international exile.

“I will do my part to help us achieve great things, both on and off the field – for football, for Norway, but not least for the next generation.”

Hegerberg’s return saw her net a hat-trick in a World Cup qualifying game against Kosovo in April, and her presence was on show in their Euro opener against Ireland, taking away defenders and recording an assist in a 4-1 win.

What’s good news for Norway and women’s football may be bad news for England ahead of their clash, but if the Lionesses come away unscathed from the generational goalscorer, their chances of home success may well dramatically increase.