The press box at the Amex Stadium is situated just behind the dugouts, with a few rows of spectator seats in between and for this meeting of Group A’s top seeds, those seats were occupied by the family and friends of both sets of players. It was after England’s fifth goal that one of Anja Sonstevold’s nearest and dearest cried out to coach Martin Sjorgen, his hands held out in front of him in exasperation. Fortunately for Sjorgen, he was the only one to react. The rest sat still, as though stunned at what was happening in front of them.
After watching other pretenders to the throne lay down early markers this weekend, England showed why they deserve to be right at the front of the open field of favourites to go all the way to Wembley at the end of this month.
