Hannah England was pleased with her performance after helping Great Britain to second place in the European Team Championships in Norway yesterday.

The Oxford City athlete finished second to Ukraine athlete Anna Mishchenko in the 1500m held in Bergen.

But England admitted that things could possibly have been even better had she not been forced to use her sprint finish quite so soon.

“I was a bit far back early on and tried not to panic,” England said.

“But I soon found a gap and got back into the top three and I tried to stay in contact – but used my kick too early perhaps.”

England recorded a time of 4mins 5.70secs, and closed the gap on Mishchenko, who also beat her just under two weeks ago.

And after setting the pace that day, England adopted her more customary tactics of coming from off the pace, and while she admits she was far enough back in the field, does not regret her tactics.

“It was pretty fast from the onset which is quite strange for an event like this, but I had prepared myself for that,” she said.

“I led my first proper race ten days ago, but didn’t really enjoy it, so wanted somebody else to do the hard work today.

“I thought I’d just try and stay in contention which is what I did.

“I think I ran pretty well, the Ukraniana beat me by a second ten days ago and it was less than that today so I ran well.

“I feel I’m getting stronger and stronger.”

England’s run drew praise from former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Dean Macey “She didn’t panic out there and that is to her great credit,” he said.

“She’s still young, but has lots of potential and that race should do her the power of good.”

Andy Turner was the only British winner on the second of the two-day competition as GB finished runners-up to Russia.

Britain had five victories on Saturday and despite failing to hit those heights, they held off Germany in third.

Turner clinched victory in the 110m hurdles while England (1500m), Michael Rimmer (800m) and Phillips Idowu (triple jump) were all second.

Jo Pavey also came second in the 5000m, in her first track race for two years.