World Cup – Norway Coach Downplays Premier League Factor Before England Clash
World Cup – Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has rejected the idea that his team’s knowledge of Premier League football will give them a clear advantage against England in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final in Miami. The match has drawn attention because Norway’s leading players, Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, are well-known figures in English football, but Solbakken believes England’s strongest performers are based elsewhere in Europe.
England’s Key Players Based Abroad
Speaking before the knockout tie, Solbakken said Norway’s players may know several members of the England squad well, but that familiarity should not be overstated. He noted that two of England’s most influential players at the tournament do not currently play in the Premier League.
Harry Kane has continued his strong scoring form since joining Bayern Munich, while Jude Bellingham has become a central figure for Real Madrid. Kane has scored six goals in the competition and remains among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot. Bellingham has found the net four times, including two goals in England’s 3-2 Round of 16 win over Mexico.
Solbakken said the Premier League connection works both ways, with England also having extensive knowledge of Norwegian players who compete in the division every week. He suggested that tactical preparation, rather than club football familiarity, will be more important once the game begins.
Norway Carry Confidence After Brazil Victory
Norway reached the quarter-finals after a landmark victory over Brazil in the Round of 16. The result eliminated the five-time world champions and sent Norway into the last eight of the World Cup for the first time.
The coach acknowledged that the win had boosted confidence inside the Norwegian camp. However, he said each knockout match presents a different challenge and that previous results will not decide the outcome against England.
According to Solbakken, no team at the tournament has treated Norway lightly. He said every opponent has prepared carefully, studied Norway’s strengths and weaknesses, and arrived with a detailed plan. England, he added, will be no different.
Solbakken Clarifies Odegaard Fitness Reports
Solbakken also addressed reports suggesting illness had affected the Norway squad during the week. He confirmed that Odegaard is fit and available for the quarter-final.
The coach explained that the person who had been unwell was Odegaard’s uncle Thomas, who works as a physiotherapist with the team. He said there had been no sickness among the players, although one or two members of the staff had been affected.
That clarification will come as a relief for Norway supporters, with Odegaard expected to play a major role against England. The Arsenal midfielder has been central to Norway’s progress and is likely to carry much of the creative responsibility in Miami.
Haaland and Odegaard Lead Norway’s Challenge
Solbakken praised Haaland’s contribution both on and off the pitch. The Manchester City striker has scored seven goals at the tournament, leaving him one behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot standings.
The Norway coach said Haaland has strong relationships throughout the squad, having played with many teammates since youth level. He described the group as closely connected and enjoying the opportunity to make history together.
Odegaard also received praise for his leadership. Solbakken said the midfielder is given greater responsibility with Norway than he may have at club level, where he plays alongside several experienced international players.
He added that Odegaard and Haaland have been Norway’s most consistent figures over a long period, including during more difficult phases for the national team. The winner of Saturday’s match will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.