Quarter-final clash in Miami
Norway boss Stale Solbakken has stated that England are considered favourites to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. The two teams are set to meet in a quarter-final match in Miami on Saturday. Solbakken acknowledged England’s status but added that they are not overwhelming favourites for the encounter.
The match, scheduled for 22:00 BST kick-off, will see Norway, who previously eliminated Brazil in the last 16, face the Three Lions. Solbakken suggested that England carries more pressure, though he also noted that his own team places pressure on their performance. He believes that once the game begins, players tend not to focus on external pressure.
The Norway squad features several players with experience in the Premier League, including Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland. Solbakken highlighted the historical significance of facing either Brazil or England in the World Cup.
Key players and team dynamics
Erling Haaland has been a significant contributor to Norway‘s progress, scoring seven goals during their run to the quarter-finals. This marks their furthest advancement in the tournament. Their journey has included victories over Iraq, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Brazil, with Haaland in strong form.
The upcoming match has drawn comparisons between Haaland and England captain Harry Kane, who has scored six goals in five games in the tournament. Solbakken, however, emphasised that the contest is between Norway and England as teams, rather than a direct individual duel between the two strikers.
Solbakken acknowledged that both Kane and Haaland are primary match-winners for their respective teams. He also cautioned against underestimating other players in the Norway squad, stressing that Haaland requires service from his teammates. He noted Haaland’s significant impact as a match-winner for Norway.
Following England‘s 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last 16, despite playing with ten men for a period, Solbakken expressed admiration for Thomas Tuchel‘s side. He highlighted the quality of players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who can score from advantageous positions. Solbakken also pointed out England’s depth in wide positions and the stability provided by players like Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice in midfield.
Regarding possession, Solbakken does not anticipate his team having a similar amount against England as they did against Brazil, where they held 66.4% possession. He also mentioned that the team has been training lightly due to the heat, focusing on technical sessions at a lower tempo to ensure freshness for the match.
Norway‘s team doctor, Ola Sand, has addressed reports of a sickness bug within the squad, indicating the situation is under control. However, David Moller Wolfe is a doubt after being substituted against Brazil, and Marcus Pedersen missed that game due to fatigue. Julian Ryerson, who played over an hour against Brazil despite a thigh issue, is expected to retain his place.
For England, Reece James, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, is back in training and could potentially replace Jarell Quansah, who is suspended. Marc Guehi (hamstring) and Declan Rice (illness) are listed as doubts, while Jordan Henderson (broken arm) is unavailable.
Anticipated challenge and fan support
Thousands of Norway fans have travelled to Miami for what is considered one of the most significant football matches in the country’s history. Solbakken, who played for Norway in the World Cup in 1998, noted that the team’s current run has brought the country together, with widespread anticipation for the upcoming game.
Solbakken also used a news conference to acknowledge Kevin Keegan, his former Liverpool idol. He expressed well wishes for Keegan, who revealed a cancer diagnosis in June. Solbakken recalled Keegan as his hero during his youth, watching Match of the Day in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The winners of Saturday’s quarter-final will advance to face either Argentina or Switzerland next Wednesday in Atlanta, competing for a place in the final on July 19.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Daniel Fairbrother is the Senior Football Correspondent at Latest News UK, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with over a decade of reporting experience. He spent eight years on the football desk of a Yorkshire daily before moving into national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Leeds, he watches non-league football and runs a five-a-side league. “The best football stories are won in the week, not on the whistle.”