Norway's World Cup preparations in chaos as sickness, hotel row and training blackout hit camp ahead of England quarter-final

Norway's World Cup quarter-final against England on Saturday night has been overshadowed by a series of off-field crises — a sickness bug, a forced hotel move and an extreme security blackout at training. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland revealed on Tuesday that the team doctor has been "very busy" due to an illness sweeping the camp. "I can confirm that it's true, we've had our issues," he said, adding: "We did have some time off so maybe someone contracted something." But head coach Stale Solbakken dismissed the outbreak as exaggerated. "The Odegaard who is sick, it's Martin's uncle who's a physio — it's not Martin," he insisted. "Every player is fine, there's no sickness among the players." Captain Martin Odegaard acknowledged some disruption, calling it "nothing major" and attributing it to changes in temperature and air conditioning. The illness claims came after Norway were forced to relocate from their Miami hotel — The Dalmar in Fort Lauderdale — because of noise and logistical frustrations. The squad's complaints led to an official grievance lodged with World Cup organisers FIFA. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth is reportedly "irritated" at being substituted, according to his father. On Wednesday, Norway took extreme measures to prevent any spying during training at the Inter Miami stadium. The first 15 minutes were open to accredited media, but the rest was behind closed doors — with the gate from the media centre covered by large black netting and the windows in the press room blocked by black curtains. Despite the turmoil, all 26 players trained, including defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, who missed the Brazil win but is now fit. England, who beat Mexico to reach this stage, will be without Jarell Quansah, who is suspended for the tie. Norway stunned Brazil to set up the clash, but their preparations have been far from smooth.