England's friendly with Norway this evening marks the dawn of a new era for the national Football team, as they attempt to pick up the pieces after their disappointing showing in the World Cup finals in Brazil. Two defeats and a draw in the tournament have seen England's FIFA ranking plummet to twentieth compared to their opponents current ranking of 53rd.
Manager Roy Hodgson will be keen to put that disappointment behind them as he approaches qualifying for the European Championships of 2016 and to try out some new players in a competitive atmosphere.
England play their first qualifier away against 9th ranked Switzerland next Monday, so victory tonight would provide some much needed confidence ahead of that game.
The retirement of a number of experienced players in the summer has ensured that a more youthful looking side will face their Scandinavian opponents tonight, as Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and former captain Steven Gerrard (all players with over one hundred caps for their country) are all no longer available for selection.
Hodgson has responded by naming Wayne Rooney as captain to lead the new generation, who will be partnered up front by Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge in what looks like an essentially 4-4-2 formation. Rooney looks certain to join the ranks of those with one hundred caps himself shortly (he currently has 95) and will be looking to edge ever closer to Bobby Charlton's national goalscoring record of 49 goals for England (he is on 40).
With Glen Johnson currently injured, twenty year old Evertonian John Stones comes in at right back with the rest of the back five taking on a familiar look, although Phil Jones is favoured to partner Gary Cahill at centre half. Established players Joe Hart in goal and Leighton Baines at left back complete the defence. There should be plenty of pace and trickery out wide as the inform Raheem Sterling hopes to continue to impress and Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain returns after missing the World Cup finals through injury.
Jack Wilshere comes into the engine room in the middle alongside Jordan Henderson. With an average age of 24 it looks to be a team with the future in mind but also a reflection on the resources at Hodgson's disposal.
Norway have been forced to name a new captain themselves with the retirement of Brede Hangeland, so Per Ciljan Skjelbred of Hertha Berlin leads them into their Euro qualifying campaign. Norway's squad features a number of players unfamiliar to English fans, although Norwich's Alex Tettey and ex Blackburn player Morten Gamst Pederson could feature. Teenage star Martin Odegaard will not be in the senior side to face England as he is to feature for the under 21s.