Five storylines from England vs. Norway

LONDON - England were back in action for the first time since their miserable World Cup campaign as Roy Hodgson's side faced Norway on Wednesday. AFP Sports looks at five key storylines from their 1-0 friendly win at Wembley:

Mixed night for Rooney

Wayne Rooney was under the microscope in his first game as England's permanent captain and he finished as the match winner after converting a 68th minute penalty.

That couldn't gloss over an underwhelming display from the Manchester United striker, who was anonymous for long periods and seemed to be trying too hard to make something happen on the rare occasions he got near goal.

Red revolution

Hodgson desperately needs Liverpool's attacking duo Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge to transfer their dynamic club form onto the international stage and there were encouraging signs as they created England's best moments.

Winger Sterling was the stand-out performer, displaying impressive acceleration and drive to win the penalty and reading Sturridge's movement to prise open the Norway defence on several occasions.

Stones has time on his side

After two substitute appearances before the World Cup, John Stones was handed his first England start at right-back and delivered a composed display, suggesting the 20-year-old Evertonian should be part of Hodgson's long-term plans as an alternative to Glen Johnson and Kyle Walker.

Lacklustre Wilshere

With Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard now retired, the onus is on Jack Wilshere to nail down a central midfield berth and finally fulfil his potential.

But it was another case of style over substance from the Arsenal star, who always looked tidy in possession but never delivered the killer pass.

Tactical time-warp

After limited success with a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation during the World Cup, Hodgson went back to basics with a rudimentary 4-4-2 line-up.

England gained little from the switch on the evidence of a laboured performance which could prompt a rethink from Hodgson in Monday's Euro 2016 qualifier in Switzerland.