WorldCup – England Prepare to Limit Haaland’s Influence in Norway Quarter-Final
WorldCup – England midfielder Morgan Rogers says his side must focus on restricting Erling Haaland’s service rather than expecting to completely neutralise the Norway striker when the teams meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
England face Norway in Miami on Saturday local time, with a semi-final place on the line. Haaland has been one of the standout players of the tournament, scoring seven goals and placing himself among the World Cup’s leading scorers. His finishing and physical presence have made Norway a major threat in the knockout stage.
Containing Norway’s Main Threat
Rogers said England are well aware of the difficulty of dealing with a forward of Haaland’s quality. He suggested that preventing dangerous passes into the striker could be as important as direct defending once the ball reaches him.
“Has anyone ever stopped Erling Haaland? Not sure they have, but we’re going to try,” Rogers said while speaking to reporters.
He added that Haaland’s record shows how quickly he can punish opponents in front of goal. England, he said, will need to limit the situations that allow the Manchester City forward to receive the ball in dangerous areas and create clear scoring chances.
Premier League Experience Could Help
Rogers has faced Haaland regularly in English football through his role at Aston Villa. Villa have kept the Norwegian without a goal during Manchester City’s previous four visits to Villa Park, but Rogers said that record should not lead England to underestimate Norway.
The 23-year-old noted that Norway have several players capable of changing the course of the match. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is expected to play an important role in creating opportunities, while the team’s wider attacking unit has shown it can support Haaland effectively.
England Recover After Mexico Win
England arrive in the quarter-finals after a demanding 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16. The team played much of that match with 10 men, making the result one of their most hard-fought World Cup wins in recent years.
The squad returned to its Kansas City base in the early hours of Monday morning, with players feeling the effects of an intense contest. Rogers said the group has already moved on from the celebrations and is concentrating on preparing for Norway.
He said the message at the first training session after the Mexico match was to continue improving and approach the next fixture with the same ambition. For several members of the squad, the quarter-final is likely to be the biggest match of their international careers.
Henderson Returns to the Squad
England have also been encouraged by the return of experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson. He rejoined the group after surgery on an arm injury suffered while celebrating the win over Mexico.
Rogers praised Henderson’s attitude and described his presence as important within the camp. He said the midfielder returned smiling and positive despite the setback, providing a lift for teammates ahead of the crucial match.
Supporters Create New Matchday Tradition
England fans have added to the atmosphere around the team by singing Oasis song Wonderwall after matches during the tournament. Rogers said the song has become a familiar part of the squad’s World Cup experience and joked that every English player should know the words.
England will now look to turn their knowledge of Haaland from Premier League football into an advantage. Stopping Norway’s leading scorer may not be straightforward, but controlling the supply around him could decide whether Thomas Tuchel’s side reach the World Cup semi-finals.