When Norway face England in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday night, it will be more than just a football match. Norwegian pundits have described it as the "biggest event ever in Norway" — a nation still giddy from knocking out five-time champions Brazil in the previous round.
For England, Thomas Tuchel's side are coming off arguably their greatest World Cup win this century, a 3-2 victory over Mexico while playing with 10 men. Yet there is a sense they have another gear to find if they are to overcome Stale Solbakken's Norway, spearheaded by the prolific Erling Haaland and playmaker Martin Odegaard.
“Norway's World Cup quarter-final against England called 'biggest event ever' as pundits predict tight clash.”
Alan Shearer, the former England striker, has backed his old side with confidence. "I think the performance the other night was what everyone's been waiting for," he said. "And I think that's given everyone belief that we can go forward … I've got real big confidence that England can get through to the semi-final and beat Norway." Shearer predicted a Harry Kane brace to lead the way.
Bryan Robson, another England legend, is more cautious but still expects a 2-1 win. "Norway will be a difficult game because they're a strong, well-organised team who can sit behind the ball, defend really well and then pick you off with Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland," he warned. "They're going to be a real threat."
Tuchel, however, has a selection headache before a ball is kicked. Defender Jarell Quansah is suspended for the quarter-final, and several other England players are at risk of a ban should they reach the semi-finals, meaning any yellow card on Saturday could rule them out of a potential last-four clash. The exact list of those walking the disciplinary tightrope has not been disclosed.
A place in the semi-finals awaits the winner, with Tuchel's record in knockout competitions a source of belief. But first, England must navigate a Norway side playing the biggest game in their nation's history — and with Haaland in form, one mistake could end the dream.