England face Haaland test as Norway threaten World Cup upset
What’s next: Saturday’s quarterfinal could turn on whether England can cut service from Martin Odegaard and wide runners into Erling Haaland.
England head into their World Cup quarterfinal against Norway facing a tactical problem larger than Erling Haaland alone. Analysis from BBC Sport and the Guardian highlighted Norway’s varied buildup, with goalkeeper Orjan Nyland able to play short through an overloaded back line or go long to Alexander Sorloth on the right. That mix has helped Norway score 12 goals in five matches after advancing from Group I and eliminating Ivory Coast and Brazil. England manager Thomas Tuchel must decide whether to press high and risk isolating defenders against Haaland, or sit deeper and allow Norway long spells of possession. Martin Odegaard’s passing and Norway’s wide service were identified as key supply lines England need to disrupt.