​With England set to meet Norway in their World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, Arsenal teammates will clash in international colors. England’s Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will line up against Norway captain Martin Odegaard and his Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke, as well as Eberechi Eze, in a match that promises a compelling duel of national loyalties. Ahead of the game, Odegaard was drawn on his assessment of Rice as a player.
“Rice is someone who always gives absolutely everything for the team,” Odegaard said. “He’s constantly fighting for every ball, bringing energy to the pitch and to the squad, driving the team forward. He can do so many things on the field. He’s a very complete player; he can defend, he can attack, he can be physical, he can be superb on the ball. It’s going to be a good test for all of us, and not just about Declan, because the whole team is filled with unbelievable players. It’s a massive test, and we’re looking forward to it. Hopefully, we can make even more history.”
The good news for England, Norway, and neutral observers ahead of the match is that both Rice and Odegaard are expected to be fit for kick-off. There had been reports during the week that both players were dealing with illness, but they have shaken off those issues to participate.
Odegaard is also pursuing the World Cup’s most assists record, having tallied three so far. Michael Olise of France currently leads the standings with five assists, but for Odegaard, another assist and a win on Saturday would bring him within one of the leader with two games still to play—one in a semi-final and either a final or a third-place play-off on the horizon.
The same pursuit applies to Saka on the opposite flank, with the England winger also on three assists. Only one of the two can advance to the next round, adding extra pressure and drama to what already promises to be a high-stakes encounter.