Haaland vs Kane in the battle for the semifinals: prediction for Norway vs England
The World Cup quarterfinal clash between Norway and England will take place on July 12 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens (00:00). Norway have reached this stage of a major tournament for the first time in their history, while England continue their arduous journey through the bracket, hoping to edge closer to that long-awaited title.
Norway: Solbakken’s team fears no favourites anymore
Norway have become one of the breakthrough sensations of this World Cup. In the group stage, Ståle Solbakken’s side defeated Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-2, and in the knockout rounds they consecutively overcame Ivory Coast and Brazil, winning both matches 2-1. The showdown with the five-time world champions was particularly impressive. Norway denied their opponents their usual control of possession, Ørjan Nyland saved a penalty and pulled off several crucial stops, while Erling Haaland bagged a brace to extend his scoring streak to 14 consecutive official matches.
Heading into the quarterfinal, Norway still have some selection issues. David Møller picked up an injury at the end of the Brazil match, and Antonio Nusa’s participation is also in doubt. On the left flank of defence, the fit-again Julian Ryerson could return, while Marcus Pedersen may reclaim his spot on the right. Andreas Schjelderup should be in line for a start. The 22-year-old Benfica midfielder came on after halftime against Brazil and provided two assists, playing a key role in that historic victory.
England: Grit matters more than style for now
England only looked convincing in their tournament opener, beating Croatia 4-2. That was followed by a goalless draw with Ghana and three hard-fought wins — over Panama (2-0), DR Congo (2-1), and Mexico (3-2). In both of their knockout matches, Thomas Tuchel’s men had to overcome serious adversity. Against DR Congo, they had to come from behind, and versus Mexico, they defended a lead for nearly 45 minutes at the Azteca while down to ten men. England’s main problem ahead of the quarterfinals is squad depth. Tino Livramento and Reece James are injured, Jarell Quansah is suspended after a red card, leaving Jed Spence as the only available natural right-back.
Further complications have arisen in midfield: Declan Rice is isolated from the squad due to a stomach infection, and Jordan Henderson broke his arm celebrating the win over Mexico. Most likely, Kobbie Mainoo will start as the holding midfielder. In attack, Tuchel has more options: Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are vying for the left wing, while Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke contend for the right. The main threat remains Harry Kane, who has netted six goals in five World Cup matches.
Probable line-ups
- Norway: Nyland, Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Pedersen, Berge, Berg, Ødegaard, Schjelderup, Sørloth, Haaland.
- England: Pickford, Konsa, Guehi, Stones, O’Riley, Anderson, Mainoo, Bellingham, Saka, Rashford, Kane.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Both teams have scored in Norway’s last seven matches and in three of England’s last five.
- At least three goals were scored in 17 of Norway’s last 18 official matches.
- Harry Kane has scored six goals in five World Cup games, while Erling Haaland has found the net in 14 consecutive official matches.
Goals will decide it all: Norway vs England prediction
Norway head into the quarterfinal riding a wave of emotion. Solbakken’s side have already proven they can handle the pressure against favourites, and the trio of Ødegaard, Sørloth, and Haaland regularly create chances even against well-organized opposition. However, Norway have conceded in virtually every match, so it’s hard to expect a cautious approach from them.
England have yet to display championship-winning football, but their resilience and individual quality make up for their shortcomings. Kane can convert even half-chances, and Tuchel’s fresh wingers allow him to change the tempo mid-match. Still, injuries and suspensions at the back and in midfield leave England vulnerable to Norway’s quick counters.
Both teams boast powerful forwards but look far from watertight at the back. A game with goals at both ends and the battle extending beyond regular time seems the most logical scenario.
