Win over Norway gives Hodgson a winning start

Ashley Young gave Roy Hodgson a winning start as England coach yesterday, clinching a 1-0 victory over Norway in the team’s first European Championship warmup match.

Young combined with Andy Carroll after nine minutes, scoring in his fourth consecutive international to provide Hodgson with a potential striking partnership for the Euro 2012 opener against France on June 11 when Wayne Rooney is suspended.

‘‘I think he and Carroll have proved they can do that job,’’ Hodgson said. ‘‘Both of them were really very good.’’

But two weeks after taking permanent charge of an England side rocked by Fabio Capello’s resignation in February, Hodgson had his first setback.

Gareth Barry, who replaced captain Steven Gerrard at halftime, limped off in the 73rd with a groin injury and the midfielder will undergo scans before the Uefa squad deadline tomorrow.

‘‘If it’s serious that will give me something to think about as we don’t have much time left,’’ Hodgson said.

England’s victory was their first in Norway in four games since June 1966, just before England returned home and won their only World Cup title.

‘‘It was a marvellous start to my career as the national team coach because it’s not often Norway lose at home and it’s a long while since we have won here,’’ Hodgson said. ‘‘I don’t think you lay foundations in three days . . . I hope any foundations we can lay will be in the coming weeks and months.’’

Less than half the team that is likely to start England’s first Euro 2012 match made the starting lineup in Oslo. Goalkeeper Joe Hart stayed on the bench and four Chelsea players were given an extended break after their Champions League final win last week.

Carroll was handed his first international start in 14 months, earning just his fourth cap.