England have been eliminated from the European Under-21 Championships following a 3-1 defeat to Norway in their Group A clash on Saturday.

Norway's first threat arrived after eight minutes when Omar Elabdellaoui, formerly of Manchester City, burst into the England box, but he could only fire high and wide of the crossbar.

Danny Rose had a similar effort for England moments later, but he could only strike his effort into the stands, before Thomas Ince flicked wide of the post from close range.

Another half-chance arrived for Rose after 13 minutes when the Sunderland defender met a free kick from Jordan Henderson, but he could only head over the crossbar.

Norway were ahead after 15 minutes, however, when Semb Berge turned in the box before thumping his effort into the bottom corner.

England continued to force the issue in the latter stages of the first period, but it was Marcus Pedersen who passed up a fine chance to send Norway two goals ahead.

The second goal did come for Norway after 34 minutes, however, when Jo Inge Berget struck a powerful effort into the top corner.

Steven Caulker thought that he had cut the deficit for England to 2-1 in the final moments of the half, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Ince had an opportunity in the early stages of the second half when he burst into the opposing box, but his effort was deflected behind for a corner, before Henderson's strike was pushed wide by Orjan Nyland Haskjold.

England's bright start continued with Ince and Nathan Redmond causing problems down each wing, but they could not find a telling touch in the final third.

It got worse after 52 minutes, however, when Pedersen found Magnus Eikrem, who thumped an effort into the back of the net from inside the box to send Norway 3-0 ahead.

England were awarded a penalty moments later when Berge felled Craig Dawson in the box, with the centre-back stepping up to fire his effort into the bottom corner to hand Pearce's side hope.

Wilfried Zaha had a chance to score England's second after 68 minutes, but the Manchester United forward's effort was deflected behind from close range as the frustration continued to grow.

Norway were forced to drop deeper in the latter stages, with Henderson and Connor Wickham both coming close to cutting the deficit, but Norway held on to move top of Group A.