Brent Hills reflects on England's 2-0 defeat to Norway in the Nordic Tournament.
The difference between a good side and a great side is open to much debate. What is less easy to argue is the value of a proven goalscorer who has that handy knack of being in the right place at the right time.
England's U23s opened their Nordic Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Norway on Monday evening, and Head Coach Brent Hills told TheFA.com there was little between the two sides:
"The first half was very even and in the second half we were definitely the better side" said Hills.
"At this tournament, if the score is level after 90 minutes there is a penalty shoot-out and with 15 minutes to go we're thinking who will step up.
"Then we give a penalty away and with a minute to play, a short backpass is intercepted and we find we've lost 2-0.
"We created plenty of chances but didn't take any, and as I've said many times before, that leaves you vulnerable, as we found to our cost."
Hills' squad is a mixture of more experienced U23 players and eight U20's for whom the tournament is another step in their football education, ahead of the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Chile.
"There were a few good performances and we also managed to bring some players off the bench which will help with their development" Brent continued.
"It's important for all these players that they work hard to give themselves a strong chance of being involved in Chile, or to prove they should be considered for the senior squad."
Next up are the USA and Brent knows what his players will be up against. "We had their opening game filmed against the Swiss senior squad and they weren't emphatic in a 1-0 win.
"They'll be strong, very fit and athletic, and will run from first till last whistle. At this level we've both managed to beat each other in recent times, and if we continue to work hard, allied to more confidence and a clinical eye in front of goal, it should be a good contest."
England take on USA tomorrow night in Domnnarvsvallen. Kick-off is 6pm (local time).