Hundreds of England supporters have laid down a marker before Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, chanting “there’ll be no f** rowing in New York” as they partied in the Miami sun. The taunt mocks Norway’s signature celebration – a synchronised rowing motion that has become a viral sensation after wins, including their 2-1 victory over Brazil in the previous round. But the mood remains jovial, with fans mixing before the clash.
On the pitch, England’s preparations received a major boost. Midfielder Declan Rice and defenders Marc Guehi and Reece James all trained on Friday, the eve of the quarter-final at Miami Stadium. Rice had been laid low by a sickness bug on top of a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, while Guehi complained of a slight hamstring injury after England’s 3-2 win over Mexico. Reece James, who has missed three games, returned to training as expected on Thursday and featured again on Friday, putting him in contention to face Norway. "The return of James, in what has been England's problem position because of injury and suspension, will come as a welcome boost to head coach Thomas Tuchel,” the BBC reported. Right-back had become a crisis position after Jarell Quansah was banned for two games following his red card against Mexico, and Tino Livramento was replaced before the tournament due to a calf injury.
“England fans mock Norway's rowing celebration as Rice, Guehi and James train ahead of World Cup quarter-final.”
Off the pitch, the quarter-final is expected to generate a near half-billion pound sales increase for the UK economy. Fans are projected to drink 9.3 million pints, with the British Beer & Pubs Association estimating an extra 5.5 million pints on Saturday alone, worth £27.5m. Matt Snell, chief executive of Boxpark, which runs outdoor fan zones, said each match could be worth £500,000 in sales. “If we reach the final, it’ll be as big as Christmas and the whole month of December for us,” he said.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hinted at an extra bank holiday if England win the World Cup. Asked about the idea, he said: “I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.” It is understood the bank holiday would fall on Friday 24 July, the day after the final in New Jersey. Starmer is widely expected to step down as prime minister the day after the final, to be replaced by Andy Burnham, which could briefly delay the handover if England make the final.
England must first overcome a Norway side led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. The Evening Standard highlighted key battles, noting that England’s defence will have its work cut out to stop Haaland, who has been central to Norway’s spectacular run. The match kicks off at 22:00 BST.