World Cup 2026: England favourites to reach semi-finals - Norway boss
England faces Norway in World Cup quarter-finals
England is considered a favourite to advance to the semi-finals of the World Cup, according to Norway boss Stale Solbakken. The two teams are set to meet in Miami on Saturday in a quarter-final match. Solbakken noted that while England is favoured, they are not overwhelming favourites. He also suggested that England might be under more pressure than Norway, though his team also places pressure on their own performance.
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 tournament. The winner of this quarter-final match will proceed to face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta next Wednesday for a spot in the final on July 19.
Norway has made a historic run to the quarter-finals, marking their first World Cup appearance since 1998 and their furthest advancement in the tournament. Their journey has included victories over Iraq, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Brazil. Erling Haaland has been a key player in this success, scoring seven goals during their campaign.
Haaland versus Kane showdown
Much of the pre-match discussion has focused on the duel between Norway‘s Erling Haaland and England captain Harry Kane. Kane has scored six goals in five matches during the tournament. However, Solbakken emphasized that the match is between Norway and England as teams, rather than solely a contest between the two prolific 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, noting that Haaland still requires service to be effective. England midfielder Morgan Rogers questioned whether anyone has truly stopped Haaland, indicating the challenge he presents.
Nico O’Reilly, Haaland‘s teammate at Manchester City, suggested that the key to stopping him is to prevent the ball from reaching him in dangerous areas. Haaland himself acknowledged the special nature of the game, given his birth in England and playing alongside many England players in the Premier League. There are nine Norway players who play for clubs in England, ensuring familiarity between the sides.
Haaland has scored his goals in quick succession throughout the tournament. Against Iraq, his two goals were 14 minutes apart. His two goals against Senegal were separated by 10 minutes, and against Brazil, his two goals came 11 minutes apart.
Team preparations and challenges
Both teams reached the quarter-finals after dramatic victories. Norway defeated five-time champions Brazil 2-1, while England overcame co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in Mexico City. England‘s victory came despite defender Jarell Quansah receiving a red card in the 54th minute. Solbakken expressed admiration for England‘s performance against Mexico, noting their ability to create few chances for their opponents.
England forward Bukayo Saka mentioned the need for the team to move past the emotions of the Mexico game and focus on the challenge posed by Norway. England faces some health concerns, with midfielder Declan Rice and defender Marc Guehi. Additionally, Jarell Quansah will be unavailable due to a two-match suspension following his red card.
Solbakken observed that Norway had 66.4% possession in their win against Brazil, but he does not anticipate a similar level of possession against England. He also noted that his team has been training lightly in the Miami heat, focusing on technical sessions at a lower tempo to ensure freshness for the match. Haaland, with a smile, suggested that all the pressure should be on the England squad.
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 their last World Cup appearance in 1998, stated that the team’s run has united the country. He also paid tribute to his childhood idol, former Liverpool player Kevin Keegan, who is 75 years old.
Source: bbc.com
