England face arguably their toughest test of the World Cup so far when they take on Norway in the quarter-finals.
Much of the pre-match discussion has centred around Erling Haaland, but I believe the Three Lions have more than enough quality to book their place in the semi-finals.
England have plenty of match-winners of their own
There are great concerns over England’s quarter-final draw against Norway, and I can see why, but they have just as much quality on the field too.
Many seem to believe that one prolific Manchester City attacker by the name of Erling Haaland will destroy the defence of Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions, due to the fact that the Leeds-born centre-forward has already scored six goals in four games.
On top of that, he has remarkably amassed 112 Premier League goals in just 132 appearances and is a born natural striker, as we all know.
However, the international stage is more about collective team efforts than the willpower of one individual, although that certainly helps.
Currently, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have rattled in nine goals between them, with their link-up play proving to be very effective in the final third.
England also possess one of the best strikers in world football in Kane, who could well be in Ballon d’Or contention after scoring a jaw-dropping 58 goals last season for Bayern Munich.
Compare that to Haaland, who scored 38 goals in all competitions last season. That’s still an outstanding return, but 20 fewer than the former Tottenham striker.
England should embrace the favourites tag
Norway might have beaten five-time world champions Brazil in the previous round, but let’s be honest, the South Americans haven’t lifted the trophy for 24 years. That’s a whole generation in football.
England, meanwhile, have been the more successful international side in recent years despite not lifting silverware, reaching back-to-back European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024, as well as the World Cup semi-finals in 2018.
The FIFA World Rankings also favour England. The Norwegians currently sit 19th, almost 20 places below the Three Lions in fourth. While rankings don’t decide football matches, on paper England deserve to be considered favourites heading into this quarter-final.
There was plenty of doubt over whether England could overcome Mexico at such high altitude and on home soil, but with the help of Kane and Bellingham, Tuchel’s side emerged victorious, defying the odds stacked against them.
In theory, they should be capable of doing the same again when they face Norway on Saturday evening.
Come on England!
Liam Harding
Do you agree with Liam’s assessment? Can England’s collective quality overcome the threat of Erling Haaland, or do you see Norway causing another upset? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Norway would likely win the ball possession if Haaland is fully fit and Rice is injured, because we’ve seen how Odegaard and Berge dominated Brazil’s midfield with the help from two Norwegian towering forwards
England should man-mark Odegaard, because he’s Norway’s main playmaker and high presser
England will beat Norway and I will try to explain why, unlike the land of Samba, who struggled to maintain possession and were caught out by Norway’s compact setup and quick transition, England possess the midfield engine to dictates the game.
The tactical balance provided by the presence of players like Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson allows England to control the tempo , sniffle Martin Odegaard and cut off the supply line to Erling Haaland.
This one will boils down between the tactical battle of Haaland vs Bellingham with the Englishman edging it.
The players know how to nullify Haaland. The question will come though, as England’s defence is not quite as good as Arsenal’s defence and Norway overall are quite good. Guehi will be tasked with that Haaland job I expect.
England should win this one, more comfortably if Rice is fit. Anderson is also top shelf. They should be able to handle Ødegaard, Nusa, Bobb, Sorloth and Haaland.
Have to agree with old Smokey. England have quality across most of the pitch and the big plays could come from Kane,Bellingham, Saka, Gordon or Rodgers. Norway will be relying on two to three players who might be more easily contained. Emotion may not be enough for Norway, so I doubt they can fluke another win where most things go their way.
Sorry mate, if this is the general understanding of our national team England will get difficult day at the office 🙂
Come on Liam you’re quite correct England have more than enough weapons to rattle Norway. Traditionally I think England don’t get beaten by Nordic teams; only suffer against Southern European teams. Kane will go for more goals to surpass the likes of Mbappe and Messi. England 4-1 Norway.
Ahem. Iceland may beg to differ.
I think England can beat Norway, but I believe this cup is France’s to lose. Spain and England made some noise, but that’s about it.
Even though FIFA seems they are doing their best to give Messi one last international cup, France I believe will be the winners.
Yes Durand I fully agree. We’ve seen what you’re saying about Messi and FIFA friendship esp in the Egypt match. Messi is favoured because he’s playing in the US and has invested there; choosing the US over other multiple lucrative initiatives elsewhere.
how was he favoured ?
it’s very simple if Egypt played better Messi would be out ?
next time defend better
@Durand
Even though FIFA seems they are doing their best to give Messi one last international cup, France I believe will be the winners.
Based on what? From my point of view this is utter nonsense.
if Egypt defended better wouldn’t be a issue