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| England U21 captain James Ward-Prowse scoring the winner against Norway |
A penalty from James Ward-Prowse proved decisive as England Under-21s opened their Euro 2017 qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win in Norway.
The Southampton midfielder converted from the spot on the stroke of half-time to give Gareth Southgate's side a perfect start in Drammen.
England coped with the artificial surface at the Marienlyst Stadium but rode their luck in the first half and Ghayas Zahid hit the bar for the hosts.
England were under pressure early as Morten Thorsby fired wide and then tested Jordan Pickford before Zahid struck the bar from 20 yards.
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| England U21 manager Gareth Southgate and his Young Lions won their first Euro 2017 qualifying game |
But England took the lead a minute before the break when Jonas Gronner brought down Nathan Redmond in the area and Ward-Prowse, 20, beat Sondre Rossbach from the spot.
England almost doubled their lead two minutes after the restart when Matt Targett 's shot was blocked by Thomas Grogaard.
Norway tried to hit back but Pickford saved Veton Berisha's 57th-minute effort.
Sunderland's Pickford was again called into action to ensure victory in the final 10 minutes, claiming Valon Berisha's shot and then gathering Alexander Sorloth's weak header with four minutes left.
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