​Norway have been dealt a disappointing setback as they prepare for a daunting World Cup quarter-final clash with England, according to The Standard. Several players have been struck by a sickness bug in the days leading up to Saturday’s high-stakes showdown in Miami, raising concerns about the team’s readiness for the knockout stage.
Despite the illness circulating through the squad in recent days, head coach Stale Solbakken indicated that the situation is gradually improving as Norway tunes up for the last-eight contest with England. Reports from Norway have cited flu-like symptoms affecting a number of players since the tournament began. Among those affected were striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who missed Norway’s opener after falling ill, and defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, who was unavailable for the shock round-of-16 victory over Brazil for the same reason.
Solbakken himself appeared slightly under the weather during recent media engagements, though he dismissed suggestions that the issue could be serious. He acknowledged that the timing is far from ideal but stressed that the squad is coping with the challenge. “We’ve had a few players who haven’t been feeling well, but things are getting better,” he said. “It’s not ideal during a tournament, but we’re managing the situation.”
The Norway coach also lent his view on potential causes, suggesting that the combined pressures of a demanding schedule and constant travel between host cities may have contributed to the players’ illnesses. Nevertheless, the team has still managed to turn heads with a fearless and impressive World Cup performance so far. Led by Erling Braut Haaland, Norway have surged into the quarter-finals in a campaign that has already carved out a place in World Cup history.
Haaland, the Manchester City forward, has been pivotal, delivering a sensational brace against Brazil to move his tally to seven goals for the tournament. That goal-scoring form places him in the race for the Golden Boot, level on seven with playmakers Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who sit on eight goals apiece. Norway’s progress has been as much about collective resilience and tactical discipline as it has about individual brilliance, with the squad’s cohesion and fighting spirit drawing praise from observers around the globe.
Meanwhile, England head into the tie with their own selection dilemmas. Thomas Tuchel’s side secured a place in the last eight after a tense 3-2 victory over Mexico, a win that came at a cost: defender Jarell Quansah is suspended after a red card in the Mexico match. In addition to the suspension, England will be without experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson, who is sidelined with a broken wrist. There is some cautious optimism for England, however, as Reece James could be available after overcoming a hamstring issue.
As the teams prepare for this eagerly anticipated quarter-final, both sides will be hoping to minimize any lingering fitness concerns and illness-related disruptions. For Norway, the focus remains on maintaining momentum, safeguarding squad depth, and leveraging Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess to sustain their historic run. For England, the priority is to balance attack and defense, compensate for key absences, and deliver a performance worthy of their status as one of the world’s leading football nations. The match promises to be a enthralling knock-out duel and a true test of nerve for both teams as they chase a spot in the World Cup semi-finals.