Norway manager Stale Solbakken has identified England as the favorites to advance to the semi-finals of the World Cup. The two nations are set to face each other in a quarter-final match, with Solbakken acknowledging the strength of the English team.
"It's not a secret that Kane is match-winner number one for England and Erling is match-winner number one for us," Solbakken told BBC Sport, referring to England captain Harry Kane and Norway's star striker Erling Haaland. He added that while Haaland is Norway's biggest match-winner, the team has other significant players who contribute to their success.
Solbakken highlighted England's impressive performance in their last-16 victory over Mexico, a match in which England were superior despite having a player sent off. He noted the effectiveness of England's midfield and attacking options, mentioning players like Jude Bellingham, Kane, and those on the wings.
Norway has reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1998, marking a historic tournament for the team. Their journey has included wins against Iraq, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Brazil. In their memorable win over Brazil, Norway recorded 66.4% possession.
Solbakken indicated that he does not expect a similar level of possession against England, citing the hotter climate and the team's decision to focus on lighter training sessions to ensure freshness for the upcoming match. He stressed the importance of competing and defending properly while maintaining concentration on the pitch to allow Norway to play their game.