​England are tipped to advance to the World Cup semi-finals, according to Norway boss Stale Solbakken in his interview with BBC Sport. The Three Lions are set to face Norway in Miami on Saturday, with a 22:00 BST kick-off, a matchup that pits England against a side that sensationally knocked out Brazil, five-time world champions, in the last 16.
Solbakken told BBC Sport’s Dan Roan that England are favourites, but not “big, big favourites.” He reiterated this sentiment later at a news conference at the Miami Stadium, saying England carry more pressure than Norway, while insisting that Norway also feel the weight of expectation but try not to let it affect their performance once the game begins.
Norway’s squad features a blend of Premier League talent and experience, including Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who captained their title-winning side, and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who has been in prolific form. Solbakken noted that Brazil and England are perhaps the two most storied nations remaining in this World Cup, underscoring the significance of the clash.
The winner of Saturday’s quarter-final will advance to face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta next Wednesday at 20:00 BST, with the winner earning a place in the July 19 showpiece match. Haaland has already netted seven goals as Norway reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1998, marking their deepest run in World Cup history and a summer that has exceeded expectations after wins over Iraq, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Brazil, with Haaland at the peak of his form.
On Friday, much of the attention ahead of the last-eight tie centered on Haaland and England captain Harry Kane, who has seven goals in five World Cup appearances. When asked whether the outcome would come down to a straight duel between the two prolific scorers, Solbakken replied, “It’s Norway against England.” He added, “Kane is England’s number one match-winner, and Erling is ours,” but stressed that while Haaland is the biggest individual threat, there are other Norwegian players who could influence the result. “There’s no doubt he’s a huge match-winner for us, but you should not underestimate the contributions of others.”
Norway’s path to this stage included a 3-2 victory over co-host Mexico in the last 16, a match in which defender Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute at a raucous Azteca Stadium. Solbakken has repeatedly underscored his admiration for England’s approach and emphasized the importance of competing and defending well. He said Norway must stay focused on the pitch and remain true to their style to perform at their best. He highlighted England’s strengths, noting Bellingham and Kane’s ability to finish from good positions, while acknowledging Haaland’s goal-threat and the support he receives from teammates on the wings. If one attacker isn’t having their day, Solbakken argued, others can step in to make a difference, with play subsequently stabilizing through players like Jude Bellingham and Kane for England, and the Norwegian emphasis on service to Haaland.
As Solbakken reflected on England’s recent performances, including their win over a Mexico side managed by Thomas Tuchel, he acknowledged that Tuchel maximized his squad’s strengths, slotting key players into dangerous positions. He suggested that while Haaland is Norway’s primary go-to man, the team can rely on various contributors to deliver when needed, maintaining a balanced approach across the pitch. With both teams eager to reach the semi-finals, the upcoming matchup promises a compelling battle between two nations with rich World Cup pedigrees and a hunger to push further in this tournament.