Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has acknowledged that England enters their upcoming World Cup quarter-final in Miami as the favorite to progress. While he admits the Three Lions have a slight advantage, he remains focused on the competitive nature of the upcoming match.
Norway enters the contest following a historic victory over Brazil, representing their deepest run in the tournament since 1998. Solbakken noted that the pressure weighs more heavily on England, though he emphasized that his squad is prepared to perform regardless of external expectations.
The matchup highlights two of the sport’s top strikers, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. Although much of the media discourse focuses on a personal duel, Solbakken insisted that the game is a collective effort between two nations rather than an individual contest. He praised England’s depth, specifically pointing to the midfield control of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson alongside the creative threats posed by Jude Bellingham.
In preparation for the high-stakes meeting, the Norwegian camp has prioritized player fitness in the Florida heat. Solbakken also took a moment to send his best wishes to his childhood hero, Kevin Keegan, following the news of his cancer diagnosis.
