Carney breaks the Ice

Karen Carney's 79th minute header gave England's biggest ever crowd for a Women's friendly something to savour at a rain-soaked Carrow Road.

It looked like it was going to be a frustrating night for the Three Lions who just couldn't find the right formula to undo Iceland but the Birmingham City winger, who was lively all night, sealed the narrow but well-deserved win.

Hope Powell's side would have been disappointed at going in level-pegging at the break with a series of chances that failed to breach the Iceland skipper Thora Helgadottir between the sticks.

As early as the opening minute, England had carved out their first chance. Carney found space on the right wing and crossed for Fara Williams, but her header was just wide.

Katie Chapman, deputising in the centre of defence for Faye White who misses the World Cup Qualifier against France on 26 March due to suspension, was then called to make a last-ditch tackle on Margaret Vidarsdottir.

The Iceland sharp-shooter, who has netted 13 goals in 18 games, was sent clear by Katrin Jonsdottir and looked odds-on to get the shot off but for Chapman's sliding tackle to put out for a corner.

But that was to be the only real sight of goal for the visitors during an otherwise one-sided first 45. As the rain began to get heavier, England's 'attempts at goal' column continued to grow with the attacking force of Carney, Kelly Smith and Rachel Yankey causing problems for the Iceland back-line.

Williams reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box following a blocked shot from Smith, but her strike on the turn was stopped by the diving Helgadottir.

At times, though, it was the Kelly Smith Show, and her skill afforded her the time to pose a serious threat. Be it on either wing or down the middle, she looked equally at home. Her 25th minute run on the left set up Eni Aluko at the near post, but the Charlton striker's deft flick from the drilled cross was blocked by the stopper.

Smith then turned her marker inside out to reach the bye-line before cutting back to Williams, but the shot was high. Katie Chapman's header from Yankey's corner on 34 minutes then followed the same path into the Barclay Stand end of Carrow Road.

So Smith took it on herself to try her luck. Teasing the defenders on the edge of the area, the Arsenal star nudged the ball into space and unleashed a powerful left-foot drive that had everyone beaten but not the crossbar.

And just before half-time, Aluko was also left wondering why and how as her close-range shot from Yankey's low cross was clawed away from danger by the inspired Helgadottir.

But the save of the match came just after the hour mark. England had continued to press for that elusive goal with Asante having a close-range effort blocked and Katie Chapman drilling a shot on the turn wide of the post. Then Iceland broke forward and almost took a surprise lead.

It was Vidarsdottir again clear and this time the 19-year-old managed to get the shot away. Her vicious strike looked to be sneaking inside the post but substitute keeper Siobhan Chamberlain reacted well to palm away for a corner.

The night was decided, though, by a well taken goal from Carney, nodding in from Rachel Unitt's left-hand cross, to give England the boost they needed before the French arrive in Blackburn later this month.

Teams

England: Rachel Brown (Siobhan Chamberlain, 46), Casey Stoney (Lindsay Johnson, 46), Rachel Unitt, Anita Asante, Katie Chapman, Mary Phillip (c), Karen Carney, Fara Williams, Eniola Aluko (Alex Scott, 60), Kelly Smith, Rachel Yankey (Josanne Potter, 67).

Subs not used: Amanda Barr, Vicky Exley, Sue Smith, Jody Handley, Faye White

Iceland: Thora Helgasdottir (c), Gundrun Gunnarsdottir, Olga Faerseth (Erla Arnadottir, 54), Edda Gardarsdottir (Harpa Thorsteinsdottir, 84), Katrin Jonsdottir, Dora Stefansdottir, Olina Vidarsdottir, Margaret Vidarsdottir, Dora Larusdottir, Gudlaug Jonsdottir, Holmfridur Magnusdottir (Greta Samuelsdottir, 62)

Subs not used: Gudbjorg Gunnarsdottir, Malfridur Sigurdardottir, Laufey Johannsdottir,

Referee: S Ihringova (Slovakia)

Assistants: A Rayner (England) and A Chapman (England)

Fourth Official: M Waite (England)

Attendance: 9,616