Manchester City full-back Nico O’Reilly is confident that England can handle the threat from Erling Braut Haaland – thanks to the squad’s insider knowledge of the Norwegian. – This is precisely where they are wrong and what means that Norway will win.
The Three Lions could field three of Haaland’s current or former City teammates in the back four when the teams meet in Miami on Saturday night in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Read: The whole of England thinks it’s only Erling Haaland they should fear
Erling Haaland has scored seven goals in four games in the USA, Canada and Mexico – including two magnificent goals when Ståle Solbakken’s side beat Brazil 2-1 in the last eight.
O’Reilly says:
“Erling is Erling. We all know what he is like. He can score goals, he’s dangerous in the box and a real threat.
O’Reilly will start at left-back – and could be joined in defence by Marc Guéhi (if he is ready) and John Stones, who left the Etihad at the end of the season.
Guéhi is uncertain with a hamstring injury – but if he does play, England will have plenty of experience on how to deal with the former Dortmund striker.
O’Reilly adds:
“I guess it plays a role. Keeping Erling in check gives us a real chance to win the game, given the threat he poses. He’s an incredible striker – world class. He has shown that throughout the tournament, with goals in every game. But we focus first and foremost on ourselves and our own game – not his.
Haaland said yesterday that all the pressure is on England, given their status as favourites – but O’Reilly was not tempted:
“It could be psychological warfare. They are a good team, they have shown that throughout the tournament. It’s not just individual players we have to worry about – they are good collectively, and it will be a good game.
Norway has exceeded all expectations by reaching the quarter-finals. Former striker Tore André Flo, who had stints at Chelsea and Sunderland, believes the match at the Hard Rock Stadium is a “free chance” for the Scandinavians.
He says to BBC 5 Live Breakfast:
“Everyone in Norway is very excited. We are full of confidence and do not feel so much pressure. It’s a great way to go into such a big game for Norwegians.
“It’s been 28 years since Norway was last in the World Cup, so everyone is happy to be here – and knows that we have a good team with good players in good shape.
Flo believes that stopping Haaland is England’s best path to success – but is unsure how to do it.
“I don’t think it will be particularly easy – he scores all the time,” he says.
“Defenders everywhere are trying to stop him, but he seems to find a way to score no matter where or when he plays. He is in very good shape. He doesn’t always have to touch the ball that much – but when it comes to him, he’s ready.
England beat Mexico on Sunday night in dramatic fashion to secure a place in the quarter-finals. But Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka says it’s time to put the drama behind him:
“We have discussed that we have to put the drama and emotions from the Mexico game behind us. We have enjoyed all the praise and everything that came with it, but now we have to focus on Norway – it will be a tough challenge. We are fully focused and happy that we are winning.
“Norway is a very good team – they play with confidence and direct play, and it has worked for them so far.
Team News Norway – England
Norway had a minor outbreak of illness in the squad earlier in the week, but no lasting problems – Solbakken has a full squad available. Oscar Bobb can start on the right wing instead of Alexander Sørloth.
England sincerely hope that Guéhi will be ready – especially with Jarell Quansah suspended (first of two games). If Guéhi doesn’t play, England will have to field a back-heavy squad with Reece James (back in training) or Djed Spence starting at right-back.
Declan Rice is struggling with a minor illness, but is expected to be ready.
Predicted line-ups
Norway: Nyland – Ryerson, Ajer, Møller Wolfe, Heggem – Berg, Berge, Ødegaard, Bobb, Nusa – Haaland
England: Pickford – Spence, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly – Rice, Anderson, Bellingham – Saka, Gordon, Kane
On our Live service you can follow all the World Cup matches
Key figures – Norway vs. England
- England have won seven of 12 previous meetings with Norway – three draws
- Only two goals have been scored in the last four matches between the teams
- Norway’s five games in the 2026 World Cup have featured 21 goals
- Haaland has scored in each of his last 14 international matches
- England had just 33.2% possession against Mexico – their lowest percentage in a World Cup match since statistics were recorded
The experts’ prediction for Norway – England
This will not be an easy affair for England – Norway has a real threat.
Don’t be surprised if Haaland scores – and that the game goes to extra time.
Prediction: Norway 1-1 England (England advance after extra time)
Even bigger experts’ Prediction (read Sporten.com) Norway 5 – England 1 (up from 3 – 1 as we thought yesterday)
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