Regardless of what happens for the rest of the tournament, England will be able to take home fond memories of their extraordinary victory over Mexico in the Azteca Stadium. Their determined 3-2 win over the co-hosts will live long in the thoughts of many given the rearguard action down to ten men among a febrile atmosphere.
Though the three hosts of all departed, Norway are likely to have significant neutral support due to the impact made by their fans at the tournament. Faced by thousands rowing in Viking fashion in the stands, England will once again have to keep their composure, especially as Erling Haaland is in the form of his career. From a football perspective, this is Thomas Tuchel’s toughest assignment yet.
Norway vs England Match Odds
England are odds-on to complete the job in 90 minutes against Norway and qualify for their fourth World Cup semi final. The draw is available at shades below 3/1, while Norway are 7/2 to continue their remarkable journey thus far.
Norway vs England Tips & Predictions
Is it pessimistic to suggest Erling Haaland will score? Is it anti-patriotic? The greatest goalscorer of his generation is odds against to net despite scoring seven in the four games he has played thus far and with the Golden Boot absolutely within range.
I am not the bearer of bad news for England fans overall though. This is a Viking horde with a spongey underbelly. Although Brazil’s penalty consolation arrived late in their last 16 meeting, it did ensure that Noway are still yet to keep a clean sheet at this year’s competition. Similarly, any fears England may have had their stuffing knocked out by Mexico can be assuaged by the five-day gap between matches, a relative vacation in international tournament terms.
Jarrell Quansah will have to be replaced at right back, but Djed Spence’s pace may well have been preferred up against the tricky Antonio Nusa anyway. That may be England’s only change and while Haaland will likely feature in a few nightmares this week, it is equally likely Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham will inspire some in reverse.
One unheralded performance against Mexico was Anthony Gordon’s. Tuchel is likely to have witnessed the effect Gordon had running in behind, especially to win the penalty moments after England had been reduced to ten men. His skills have ben utilised more as a traditional winger so far, but the emphasis for him may to get at Norway’s defence and pepper Orjan Nyland’s goal.
Let us hope that is the case anyway. England are endearing themselves and they may continue to do that a little longer yet, even if 90 minutes refuse to separate these countries on Saturday night.
Our Tips for Norway vs England
Erling Haaland to Score Any Time @ 27/20
Anthony Gordon Over 1.5 Shots On Target @ 4/1
England to Win in Extra Time @ 9/1
Norway vs England Head-To-Head
“Your boys took a hell of a beating!” So exclaimed Bjørge Lillelien after Norway’s 2-1 win over England in 1981. A famous piece of commentary for a famous underdog success. That triggered an unbeaten run through the 1980s and 1990s for Norway against England across five matches. Yet, either side, England have won the remaining seven ties, including both this century. Each were 1-0 wins in friendlies in 2012 and 2014.
Norway vs England World Cup Record
Norway have already made history in North America. They had never made it beyond the last 16 of a World Cup in three previous attempts, so Stale Solbakken’s quarter finalists have already ventured into the unknown. England’s 1966 triumph is the only major trophy won by either nation, with the Three Lions having twice reached the semi finals too.
Commercial notice: This article on GG.co.uk contains affiliate links. The offers we promote come from operators that we trust and our experts have first-hand experience dealing with. If you open an account through one of these affiliate links then GG will earn revenue. However, we ensure that the money earned goes back into improving and enhancing our coverage of horse racing and other sports, as we look to provide an excellent service to our growing audience.