Norway v England: Hodgson set for debut success in Oslo

Roy Hodgson takes charge of England for the first time on Saturday, and he will be desperate to get off to a winning start at 11/10 away to Norway.

The match will represent the first time these sides have met since 1995, and each of the last two encounters ended 0-0, which is a 9/1 shot here.

Alternatively, the draw can be backed at 23/10, whilst Norway, who failed to qualify for the upcoming European championships, are 13/5 for success.

Hodgson will know though, that a comfortable victory is essential in order to gain some momentum heading into the tournament with England.

Often lauded for the manner in which he organises his teams, the Three Lions are likely to be as solid a defensive unit as they have in recent years under Hodgson, so may be worth investment at 7/4 to keep a clean sheet.

Players such as Joleon Lescott are aiming to win a starting berth at Euro 2012, whilst John Terry is hoping to win back favour over Chelsea team-mate Gary Cahill.

All these factors would appear to point to a watertight defensive display, and so England to win without conceding is an appealing prospect at 11/4.

Such a bet would have reaped returns in two of England’s last three outings, as would a punt on Hodgson’s men winning 1-0, which is afforded a 13/2 price in this game.

However, with a number of attacking players eager to fill the Wayne Rooney void for the opening two games in Poland and Ukraine, the goals could flow more readily for England.

Andy Carroll could be given the chance to start from the off, and the Liverpool striker is a 5/1 chance to notch the opener in Oslo.

Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck’s knock in training could make him best to avoid at 6/1, and instead take up the 11/2 on offer about Jermain Defoe breaking the deadlock.