England Favored But Focus on Team Performance Says Solbakken
According to reporting by BBC Sport - Football, Norway head coach Stale Solbakken believes England are favored to reach the semi-finals. The Norway boss sees his side facing a tough but manageable challenge against their opponents in Miami.
The two teams will face each other on Saturday at 22:00 BST as part of the quarter-finals. Solbakken, known for his experience as both player and coach, admits England shoulder more pressure than Norway. However, he says his team also puts pressure on themselves to perform well.
England’s Striker Haaland's Impact
Giving insight into why Norway might pose a tough test despite the match being seen in terms of star players, Solbakken mentioned Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland. The former Liverpool idol revealed: 'He [Haaland] is our biggest match-winner but I think you underestimate some of the other players if you think that's the whole theme.'
Team Performance Over Individual Glory
While Solbakken appreciates England’s star-studded line-up, including Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, he insists that team effort will be crucial for success. The Norway coach pointed out: 'We need to compete and defend properly. We need to concentrate on the pitch and then we can be ourselves.'
Frequently Asked Questions
How does England stop Norway in their World Cup run?
England needs a balanced team effort, not just individual brilliance, says Solbakken. He highlighted the need for strong defending and ensuring each player performs to their capability: 'Jude Bellingham and Kane score from great positions. I think the most impressive England game came when they were better than Mexico.'
Does Solbakken expect a repeat of his team's possession against Brazil?
No, says Solbakken. The Norway coach insists that his side will train differently to conserve energy and freshness in crucial matches: 'No I don't. It's getting hotter. We have trained very lightly.'