For a country that hasn’t played a World Cup in 28 years, Norway has arrived in the quarter-finals as if it has always belonged here. Brazil was the last country to discover how small the margin is when Erling Haaland is on the pitch.
Two goals in the final eleven minutes in New Jersey – one a towering header, the other a finish of spectacular violence – took Norway to the quarter-finals for the first time in its history.
Haaland scored seven goals from just 12 shots on target, while only six attempts were off target throughout the tournament. His expected goals of 4.32 without penalties is the best figure at this World Cup and helps explain why Norway leads in xG per shot. Ståle Solbakken’s side may not create as much as England, but the chances when it comes to fashion are usually clean, central and devastatingly suited to the most clinical finisher in the game.
Norwegian midfield, Martin Odegaard (left), and Sander Berge will be keen to have a say in the match against England. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Norwegian midfield, Martin Odegaard (left), and Sander Berge will be keen to have a say in the match against England. | Photo credit: REUTERS
The route from Norway to Haaland is usually through midfield, where Martin Ødegaard remains the creative hinge, Sander Berge the calm distributor, and the pair have exchanged 128 passes so far. England will know that cutting off that axis is as important as stopping Haaland himself. If Ødegaard is allowed to turn or Berge is allowed to hit, passes the first line of pressure, Norway can turn the defense into danger within seconds.
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However, England comes into Miami with their own conviction. Harry Kane has scored six goals, two of which came from the penalty spot, and Jude Bellingham’s four goals have made him the side’s second major source of threat. Reduced to ten men after Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico, Thomas Tuchel’s side held on for the final half hour in a stadium and an atmosphere that seemed designed to swallow them up.
English national coach Thomas Tuchel is looking for defensive reinforcements due to injuries and suspension. | Photo credit: AP
English national coach Thomas Tuchel is looking for defensive reinforcements due to injuries and suspension. | Photo credit: AP
However, Quansah’s suspension and Marc Guehi’s hamstring problem leave Thomas Tuchel with questions at the back, especially on the right side, which Norway will certainly be looking at. Reece James may yet return, but England’s defensive security has been shaken just as they face the world’s most popular striker.
England may have the wider squad and deeper tournament memory, but Norway have Haaland, and at the moment that may feel like a force big enough to bend the game.
Published on July 10, 2026
