England considered favourites to reach World Cup semi-finals, says Norway boss

By Evelyn Mensah — 10 July 2026 — 4 min read

Quarter-final clash in Miami

Norway coach Stale Solbakken has indicated that England are the favourites to advance to the semi-finals of the World Cup. The two teams are scheduled to meet in a quarter-final match in Miami on Saturday. Solbakken acknowledged England’s strong position but noted they are not overwhelming favourites.

The upcoming match pits England against a Norway side that recently eliminated five-time world champions Brazil in the last 16. Solbakken believes England faces more pressure, though he also stresses the importance of his team’s performance, stating that players typically do not focus on pressure once the game begins.

Norway’s squad features several players with experience in the Premier League, including Arsenal‘s captain Martin Ødegaard and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland. Solbakken highlighted the historical significance of facing either Brazil or England in the tournament.

Key players and team dynamics

Erling Haaland has been a pivotal figure for Norway, scoring seven goals during their journey to the quarter-finals. This marks Norway’s first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 1998, following victories against Iraq, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Brazil.

The focus leading up to the match has often been on a direct comparison between Haaland and England captain Harry Kane, who has scored six goals in five tournament games. However, Solbakken emphasized that the match is between the two nations, not solely a duel between the two prolific strikers.

Solbakken acknowledged both Kane and Haaland as primary match-winners for their respective teams but cautioned against underestimating other players. He stressed that Haaland, despite his individual brilliance, relies on service from his teammates.

Thomas Tuchel‘s England side impressed Solbakken with their 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last 16, even after defender Jarell Quansah received a red card. Solbakken praised England’s ability to get their key players like Jude Bellingham and Kane into effective positions.

Norway, despite having 66.4% possession in their win against Brazil, does not expect a similar share against England. Solbakken noted the warmer conditions in Miami and the team’s lighter training schedule to ensure freshness for the match.

The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, will host the quarter-final. England has reached the quarter-finals for the third consecutive World Cup, and they face a challenging opponent in Norway, known for their high-scoring performances.

While England’s experience in major competitions is an advantage, Norway demonstrated fearlessness in their 2-1 win over Brazil. England’s victory against Mexico, described as their best performance of the tournament, showcased the depth of their squad.

Norway’s offensive capabilities were evident during European qualification, where they were the top scorers with 37 goals, including seven goals against Italy. The team’s growth was apparent before the tournament, and they have exceeded expectations by reaching the quarter-finals.

Despite a 4-1 loss to France after making ten changes to their lineup, Norway secured wins against Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2) in the group stage. Their victories over Ivory Coast (2-1) and Brazil were hard-fought, but concerns about defensive vulnerability persist, as Norway has not kept a clean sheet in their last seven games.

England’s ability to counter-attack against a front-footed Mexico team highlighted their adaptability. Players like Bellingham, Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Anthony Gordon delivered strong individual performances in that match. Tuchel has experimented with various wing combinations and appears to be nearing his preferred starting lineup.

Jude Bellingham‘s performance against Mexico, where he scored two goals and made a crucial defensive intervention, has positioned him as a contender for the Golden Ball award. The midfielder is noted for his consistent contributions to England’s attack.

Reports of a sickness bug in the Norway camp have been downplayed by team doctor Ola Sand. David Moller Wolfe is a doubt, and Marcus Pedersen missed the Brazil game due to fatigue. Julian Ryerson, who played over an hour against Brazil, is expected to retain his place.

For England, Reece James is back in training and could replace the suspended Jarell Quansah. Marc Guehi and Declan Rice are listed as doubts, while Jordan Henderson is out due to injury.

The winner of Saturday’s quarter-final will face either Argentina or Switzerland next Wednesday in Atlanta for a spot in the final scheduled for 19 July.

Community and tribute

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 1998 World Cup, noted that the team’s run has brought the nation together.

During a news conference, Solbakken paid tribute to his childhood idol, former Liverpool player and England manager Kevin Keegan. Keegan, 75, revealed in June that he is battling stage four cancer. Solbakken, 58, expressed his best wishes to Keegan, recalling his admiration for him during his time watching Match of the Day.

Source: bbc.co.uk