England favourites to reach semis, says Norway boss

New Delhi, India Jul 11, 2026 ALN: England are favourites to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, Norway boss Stale Solbakken has told BBC.

The Three Lions meet Norway - who knocked out five-time world champions Brazil in the last 16 - in Miami on Saturday (22:00 BST kick-off).

Stale Solbakken, in an interview with BBC's editor Dan Roan, stated: "They are favourites, but they're not big, big favourites." This comment reflects the competitive nature of the upcoming match, emphasizing that while England holds a strong position, the outcome is not a foregone conclusion.

Later, the former Wolves boss told a news conference at the Miami Stadium: "I think England have more pressure than us." This statement highlights the weight of expectations placed on the English team, which has a storied history in international and a fanbase that anticipates success at major tournaments. Solbakken went on to say, "But we also put pressure on our performance. Once the game starts I don't think the players think about the pressure." This insight suggests that both teams are aware of the stakes but may handle the pressure differently.

Norway's team is packed with Premier League talent and experience, including Arsenal's title-winning captain Martin Odegaard and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland. The presence of such high-caliber players indicates that Norway has the ability to compete at the highest level, despite being seen as the underdog in this matchup. Solbakken noted, "Brazil and England are maybe the two biggest nations we could meet at this World Cup in terms of history," reinforcing the significance of the match not only for Norway but also for England, which has a rich ing legacy.

The winners of Saturday's quarter-final will meet Argentina or Switzerland next Wednesday (20:00 BST) in Atlanta for a place in the 19 July showpiece. This potential matchup adds another layer of excitement, as both Argentina and Switzerland have their own strengths and challenges, making the path to the final an intriguing prospect for the winning team.

It's Norway v England - Not Haaland v Kane

Striker Erling Haaland has scored seven goals during Norway's historic run to the quarter-finals. This impressive tally underscores his role as a key player for Norway, especially in a tournament where goals can be the difference between advancing and going home. This is Norway's first World Cup since 1998, and they have already made history by reaching the quarter-finals, marking the furthest they have progressed in the tournament.

It has turned into a summer to remember for Norway after wins over Iraq, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Brazil, with Haaland hitting form at the right time. His performance has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, who view him as a central figure in Norway's attacking strategy. On Friday, the main focus of the last-eight tie was on Haaland and England captain Harry Kane, who has scored six times in five games at the tournament. Kane's consistent scoring ability has made him a pivotal player for England, and his experience in high-pressure situations could be crucial in the knockout stages.

Asked if it would be a straight shootout between the prolific goalscoring pair to determine the outcome, Solbakken replied: "It's Norway against England." This statement emphasizes that while individual talents like Haaland and Kane are vital, is ultimately a team where collective effort and strategy will determine the winner. Solbakken added: "It's not a secret that Kane is match-winner number one for England and Erling is match-winner number one for us. There's no doubt that he [Haaland] is our biggest match-winner, but I think you underestimate some of the other players if you think that's the whole theme." This perspective highlights the importance of teamwork and the contributions of other players who can influence the match significantly.

After seeing Thomas Tuchel's side battle past co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in the last 16, despite having defender Jarell Quansah sent off in the 54th minute at a hostile Azteca Stadium, Solbakken expressed admiration for England. He said: "We need to compete and defend properly. We need to concentrate on the pitch and then we can be ourselves." This indicates Norway's strategy will involve solid defensive organization and discipline to counter England's attacking prowess.

Solbakken further analyzed England's strengths, stating: "Jude Bellingham and Kane score from great positions. I think the most impressive [England] game came when they were better than Mexico. Mexico created very few chances and I think Tuchel managed to get their best players in good position. And being match-winners like Bellingham, Kane - they have several options on the wings which means that if one doesn't have the day, another comes in and then obviously does something good, then steady out in the middle of the park with Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice." This analysis reflects Solbakken's understanding of England's tactical setup and the depth of their squad, which can present challenges for any opponent.

Norway had 66.4% possession during the memorable win over Brazil, showcasing their ability to control the game and dictate the tempo. However, when asked if he expected his side to have a similar amount against England, Solbakken added: "No I don't." This admission indicates a recognition of England's quality and their capacity to challenge for possession, suggesting that Norway may need to adapt their game plan accordingly. He also mentioned, "It's getting hotter. We have trained very lightly. We've not done as much hard work [in training]. We have had technical sessions but in a lower tempo. It's all about being fresh for tomorrow." This strategic approach to training reflects the importance of player fitness and readiness in high-stakes matches.

I Hope Kevin is Well - He Was My Big Hero

Thousands of Norway fans have arrived in Miami for one of the biggest matches in the country's history. The excitement surrounding this match reflects not only the significance of the occasion for the players but also for the nation as a whole. Solbakken, who played for his country when they last featured at the World Cup in 1998, admitted: "It [the World Cup run] has brought the country together. The whole of Norway is looking forward to tomorrow." This sentiment illustrates the unifying power of and how a successful run in a tournament can galvanize a nation.

In addition to discussing the match, Solbakken used his news conference to pay tribute to his old Liverpool idol Kevin Keegan. The former England captain and manager, 75, revealed in June he has stage four cancer, prompting an outpouring of support from the community. Solbakken expressed his admiration, stating: "My biggest regret in World Cup history is that Kevin Keegan did not score when he came on against Spain in 1982. He was my big hero. I hope Kevin is well." This personal anecdote not only highlights Solbakken's respect for Keegan but also serves as a reminder of the human stories that intertwine with the , transcending the competitive nature of the game.

He further reminisced about the impact of on his youth, saying: "We had Match of the Day on the television from the late 1960s and early 1970s when it was one game on the telly, and everyone had a team they followed. My team was Liverpool and Kevin was my man. So I say hello to Kevin." This reflection underscores the deep emotional connections that can create, both for players and fans, and the lasting influence of iconic figures in the 's history.