Wayne Rooney marked his first start as England captain with a winning goal from the penalty spot as the Three Lions limped past Norway 1-0 at Wembley.
Daniel Sturridge combined well with Raheem Sterling inside the box early on, and the former's side-footed effort was well blocked by Vegard Forren
Sturridge went close again on 25 minutes when he was picked out again by his Liverpool teammate, this time over the top, but the striker's lob could only find the roof of the net.
Leighton Baines was next to go close when Sterling slid the left-back in inside the box, but the Everton star could only strike the ball onto a Norway defender on the half-hour mark.
The home side had a strong shout for a penalty that was waved away five minutes before the break when Jack Wilshere went down under a challenge from Havard Nordtveit.
Joshua King came closest for the visitors shortly after half time when his header forced Joe Hart into an impressive stop.
England were awarded a penalty on 67 minutes when Sterling was fouled by Omar Elabdellaoui, and Rooney made no mistake from 12 yards to cap his first start as captain with a goal.
Substitute Danny Welbeck's powerful effort from a tight angle was repelled on 73 minutes before the new Arsenal striker sent a dangerous delivery centre across the face of the six-yard box.
An incisive break from Sturridge and Sterling eventually saw James Milner fire goalwards, but his shot was well blocked by Stefan Johansen.
