Norway manager Stale Solbakken believes England deserve to be considered favourites ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final in Miami — but insists the Three Lions are far from unbeatable.
The Scandinavians arrive at the Hard Rock Stadium on the back of the greatest result in their footballing history after eliminating five-time world champions Brazil, while England battled past co-hosts Mexico in one of the games of the tournament to set up a heavyweight last-eight meeting.
For Solbakken, however, the pressure lies firmly on England’s shoulders.
“England are favourites, but they’re not big, big favourites,” the Norway boss told BBC Sport ahead of the quarter-final.
Speaking later at his pre-match press conference, Solbakken added: “I think England have more pressure than us.
“But we also put pressure on our performance. Once the game starts I don’t think the players think about the pressure.”
Brazil upset has transformed expectations
Norway arrived in North America hoping to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 1998. Instead, Solbakken’s side have already rewritten the country’s football history.
Victories over Iraq, Senegal and Ivory Coast secured progression from the group stage before the Norwegians stunned Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals to continue his remarkable tournament.
The Manchester City striker now has seven goals in five matches and sits firmly in the Golden Boot race alongside Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
Yet Solbakken was quick to reject suggestions that Saturday’s quarter-final would simply become a duel between Haaland and England captain Harry Kane.
“It’s Norway against England,” he said.
“It’s not a secret that Kane is match-winner number one for England and Erling is match-winner number one for us.
“There’s no doubt that he is our biggest match-winner, but I think you underestimate some of the other players if you think that’s the whole theme.
“He also needs service, but you can’t deny that he is a big, big match-winner for us.”
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AdvertisementSolbakken full of praise for England’s tournament response
England’s dramatic victory over Mexico appears to have made a particular impression on the Norwegian manager. Thomas Tuchel’s side won 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca despite playing more than half the match with 10 men following Jarell Quansah’s dismissal, surviving both the altitude and a hostile home crowd to progress.
For Solbakken, England’s ability to control the game despite those circumstances underlined why they remain among the favourites for the trophy.
“I think the most impressive England game came when they were better than Mexico,” he said.
“Mexico created very few chances and I think Tuchel managed to get their best players in good positions.”
Solbakken reserved particular praise for Jude Bellingham and Kane, while also highlighting England’s strength in depth out wide and the balance provided by Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson in midfield.
“They have several options on the wings which means that if one doesn’t have the day, another comes in and then obviously does something good.”
Miami heat becomes the next challenge
After dominating possession against Brazil, Norway are expecting a very different type of match against England.
Solbakken’s side enjoyed 66.4% of the ball against the Selecao, but the Norwegian manager admits that figure is unlikely to be repeated in Miami.
“No, I don’t,” he said when asked if Norway would once again dominate possession.
“It’s getting hotter. We have trained very lightly. We’ve not done as much hard work.
“It’s all about being fresh for tomorrow.”
With a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake and Argentina or Switzerland waiting in Atlanta next week, Norway’s biggest test of the summer may be about to arrive.
But after already toppling Brazil, Solbakken’s message was clear: his players have earned the right to believe they can challenge anyone.