A win against Norway in Miami would see England reach the semi-finals for the second time since 1990, but their opponents have never progressed this far in a World Cup. They have been spearheaded by the imposing Erling Haaland, who is tied with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé for the most goals in the competition so far.
Haaland will once again be Norway’s biggest threat against England, but only if he is fit. Dagbladet reported that a member of the Norwegian team has fallen ill with a mysterious illness, potentially interrupting preparations for Saturday’s quarter-finals.
It is also said that frequent flights and travel put a heavy burden on the players, which may have exacerbated their illness. Jorgen Strand Larsen missed the opening World Cup match due to illness, while defender Markus Holmgren Pedersen missed the game against Brazil due to illness.
Stale Solbakken was asked about the threat of bugs in the camp and the Norwegian manager replied: “Jorgen was the only one who actually had a fever.
“But then there was a little bit of coughing and rasping evenly interspersed. But we have air conditioning, planes, changing rooms, everything. We’re over 50 people, so it would be weird if one of us didn’t show up.”
Regarding the possibility of facing England, Solbakken said: “We have to study England, but obviously we have seen them in previous games in this tournament and they will be a very strong opponent, but we hope it will be a very even and close game.”
Whoever wins the England-Norway match will be rewarded with a match against Argentina, Egypt, Colombia or Switzerland. Meanwhile, on the other side of the bracket, France, Spain, Morocco and Belgium will all be competing in the World Cup finals in just two weeks’ time.
