Roebuck error hands 10-player Norway a draw against England | OneFootball

An uncharacteristic error from England keeper Ellie Roebuck allowed a 10-player Norway side to claim a 1-1 draw in an international friendly in Spain this evening.

Rachel Daly opened the scoring for England in the first half before Norway were reduced to 10 players in the second period after defender Anja Sønstevold picked up two quick-fire bookings for fouls on Nikita Parris. The Lionesses looked set to grab the win until Roebuck’s error allowed Arsenal’s Frida Maanum to level matters for Norway.

Norway had the better chances early on but Emilie Haavi saw an effort saved by England keeper Roebuck before Guro Reiten scuffed a shot wide.

England warmed to the task and Lauren James tested Norwegian keeper Aurora Mikalsen with a stinging shot before the Lionesses broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute. The lively Chloe Kelly lifted the ball into the box and Daly expertly headed home.

Norway went close early in the second half but Amelie Eikeland could only curl a shot wide when she should have tested Roebuck. The England keeper then made two big saves in quick succession to deny both Sophie Roman Haug and Reiten.

At the other end, Parris forced a save from Mikalsen with a header before Norwegian defender Sønstevold was dismissed after picking up two bookings in quick succession.

Kelly then twice went close to doubling England’s lead but there was to be a late twist with the 10 players of Norway grabbing an equalising goal. Roebuck’s uncharacteristic air kick allowed Maanum the opportunity to nip in and place the ball into an empty net.

Norway defended resolutely in the final minutes as they claimed a 1-1 draw to end a difficult year in a positive manner. England will have been bitterly disappointed with the result given the fact that they seemed to have the victory firmly in their grasp before Roebuck’s rare error.

The England players will now return to their clubs as they complete the 2022 calendar year. The Lionesses will regroup in February ahead of the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup.