Despite an outward appearance of team unity, Norway's World Cup squad is experiencing internal friction as they prepare for their quarter-final match against England. Striker Alexander Sorloth expressed frustration after being substituted at halftime during Norway's previous victory over Brazil, a decision his father, Goran Sorloth, said his son was right to be "irritated" about.
Alexander Sorloth, who plays out of position on the wing to accommodate Erling Haaland, admitted to being "angry" with manager Stale Solbakken. "I talked to Stale afterwards. We're good friends now. But I didn't understand much of it when it happened," Sorloth said.
Solbakken defended his decision, stating that while Sorloth and teammate Antonio Nusa played well defensively and offensively, "the match dictated that we should have other types." The substitutions of Sorloth and Nusa were followed by changes that saw Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb enter the game, with Schjelderup providing an assist for Haaland's opening goal in the 2-1 win against Brazil.
Adding to the team's challenges, a sickness bug has reportedly affected the squad. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland confirmed the issue, telling James Corden that the team doctor was busy and that the source of the illness was unknown, though he speculated it could be from a period of time off. "Hopefully everything goes well and we face England with a fully rested squad on Saturday," Nyland stated.
Norway's camp has been described by Goran Sorloth as a "boys trip," with families traveling with the squad enjoying a unified experience. However, the potential for Sorloth to be dropped for the England match, given his natural position is center forward, remains a question. The team's performance in the second half against Brazil, where substitute midfielders influenced the game, may lead Solbakken to start Schjelderup and Bobb, potentially sidelining Sorloth.
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, will be strategizing to contain Erling Haaland, with denying him service from the wings likely to be a key focus. The match between England and Norway is scheduled for Saturday at 10 p.m., with the winner advancing to face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals.