​Keeping Erling Haaland quiet would be “huge,” but the Norwegian powerhouse isn’t the only danger England must worry about in their World Cup quarter-final, Nico O’Reilly, a Manchester City teammate of Haaland, noted on Thursday. Haaland has been sensational at the 2026 tournament, bagging seven goals to steer his side into the last eight for the first time, and there will be an abundance of club connections on the pitch in Miami on Saturday, with Haaland likely to come up against O’Reilly and Manchester United wouldn’t be involved here, wait—center-back Marc Guehi too.
Arsenal figures will also feature prominently, as Norway captain Martin Odegaard could come up against Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. Thomas Tuchel’s squad earned their place in the quarter-finals through a gripping, backs-to-the-wall victory over co-hosts Mexico, a game in which they were reduced to ten men when defender Jarell Quansah was sent off. Left-back O’Reilly spoke to reporters at England’s base in Kansas City and stressed that while Haaland is the standout for Norway, the team is far from a one-man show. “No, not at all,” he said. “They’ve got great players all around the pitch who can cause a lot of danger.” He added that Norway have demonstrated in this tournament that they can reach the quarter-finals and make history, but stressed that if England can keep Haaland quiet, it would be a major factor.
The 21-year-old downplayed any concerns about England’s defence, which has been hampered by injuries and Quansah’s suspension. “It’s not ideal, obviously, but we’ve got great players here,” he said. “As you’ve seen in the last game, the impact from the bench to go in the back line and be so solid with 10 men—it’s not an issue.” Arsenal winger Saka also described England as posing a “unique threat,” highlighting that players across the field can score and create chances even though Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have contributed 10 of the team’s 11 goals so far. He conceded that the Three Lions hold an edge in tournament experience at the sharp end and did not shy away from admitting their ultimate objective is to win the World Cup.
England have been regular contenders in recent years but have not captured a major trophy since lifting the World Cup on home soil six decades ago. “That’s obviously our goal,” Saka said, “but we’re focused on the next game because there are literally three games in between now and that. So we’re focused on Norway right now, then it’s the semi-final.” The 24-year-old also stated that England had mentally reset after their dramatic victory at the Estadio Azteca. “The focus is really on putting Mexico behind us—the emotions and the drama from that game. We’ve soaked it in, and now we’re preparing for Norway because we know it will be a tough game in Miami.”