Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying: Tanya Oxtoby says Northern Ireland ‘respect every opponent but don’t fear anyone’

While the matches are undoubtedly the two biggest of Oxtoby’s tenure to date, her message to her youthful squad is clear – play the game and not the occasion.

Few expect Northern Ireland to be able to progress, especially with the game taking place over two legs.

“I’m used to being the underdog. We have spoken about not getting wrapped up in the occasion,” Oxtoby added.

“We want to be playing at major tournaments, so to be playing against teams like Norway, who have been there and done it numerous times, gives us a great opportunity for us to learn where we are at.”

Oxtoby added that her side will “embrace the challenge”. Norway are undoubtedly a step up from any of Northern Ireland’s previous opponents, but the former Chelsea assistant added she “knows the girls are up for it”.

“We will have to do things quicker, with a lot more purpose and intent, but we’re not going to move away from who we are and what we are doing.

“It’s another great challenge for the group and we’re looking forward to it as a collective.

“We respect every opponent but we don’t fear anybody. At the end of the day, any opportunity we get to play a good team is a chance for us to learn and get better.”

The first leg is on Friday, 29 November at Inver Park (19:00 GMT) before the second leg in Oslo on Tuesday, 3 December (17:00 GMT).