​Norway captain Martin Odegaard has stated that his teammates are prepared to face “one of the best national teams in the world” when they lock horns with England in the World Cup quarter-finals. Ståle Solbakken’s side edged past Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 to set up a mouth-watering last-eight clash against Thomas Tuchel’s England, who battled back from a red card to defeat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 and secure a spot in the World Cup semi-finals.
Odegaard, who is well acquainted with the England squad through his stint at Arsenal and his time in the Premier League, praised the Three Lions for their quality and acknowledged the formidable challenge his side faces on Saturday. “I’ve spoken to a few of them a little bit during the tournament, but obviously we know the quality they have. I know them really well,” Odegaard said. “Outstanding players, world-class players, playing for probably one of the best national teams in the world at the moment. So it’s going to be a big test for us. But I think Brazil was the same. You know, we were the underdogs, and as you saw, anything can happen in football. So, yeah, we’re going to give it a good try and see what we can do and looking forward to it.”
The 27-year-old also commented on sharing the field with his Arsenal teammate Declan Rice, praising the midfielder’s sustained excellence and the joy of playing alongside him. “Massive. He’s been outstanding for such a long time. Playing with him, I think you can see all the qualities, you know, and it’s such a pleasure to share the pitch with him and what he’s been doing for such a long time. It’s just unbelievable. So, yeah, looking forward to the challenge and to see them all,” he added.
Odegaard’s remarks come as Norway prepare for a landmark encounter that could test their tactical discipline, cohesion, and resilience against England’s blend of technical ability and high pressing. The Norway captain emphasized that the team will carry belief from their campaign so far into the quarter-final, acknowledging the prestige of facing a top-tier nation while also stressing that the underdog tag can fuel motivation rather than deter. He indicated that their approach will be rooted in organization, compact defending, and swift, purposeful transitions when opportunities arise.
The upcoming match against England is framed by the broader context of a tournament where both teams have demonstrated moments of excellence and resilience. England’s path to the quarter-finals included overcoming adversity in a match that required them to contend with a numerical disadvantage, showing their depth and ungiving spirit. Norway, on the other hand, has carved out a reputation for teamwork, discipline, and a willingness to challenge continental powerhouses, which Odegaard believes will serve them well on the world stage.
Odegaard’s insights into the England squad also highlighted the value of familiarity and chemistry built over years at club level. He noted that knowing several England players personally can be advantageous, as it provides a clearer sense of how they move, their decision-making under pressure, and the subtleties of their game. This awareness, he suggested, could be a double-edged sword: giving Norway clues about tendencies while also reminding England that they face a determined and well-prepared opponent.
As the quarter-final countdown continues, Norway’s captain remains focused on the challenge ahead, insisting that this is exactly the type of test that can define a team’s season. He drew a parallel with their encounter against Brazil, underscoring the unpredictable nature of football and the possibility that the match could swing on a single moment of quality or a decisive tactical adjustment. The message from Odegaard is clear: respect for England’s quality, belief in their own capabilities, and the readiness to press for a result in a high-stakes knockout clash.
For English fans, the remarks from Odegaard reinforce the sense that the quarter-final will be a stern test of technique and character, with Norway aiming to translate their disciplined build-up play and midfield structure into dangerous transitions and set-piece opportunities. For neutral observers, the clash represents a classic contest between a team widely regarded as one of the world’s best and a resilient underdog eager to make history at the World Cup. The stage is set for a memorable showdown, and Odegaard’s comments only add to the anticipation surrounding this eagerly anticipated quarter-final.