Erling Haaland is the leader leading Norway to create an impressive journey at the 2026 World Cup. In the quarter-final match against England in Miami, the Manchester City striker is expected to continue to make a difference for the Northern European team.
Haaland has scored 7 out of Norway's total 12 goals in the tournament, accounting for nearly 60% of the team's goals. In his international career, this striker achieves an admirable scoring efficiency with an average of one goal every 71.2 minutes of play.
In addition to scoring, Haaland also causes difficulties for opponents thanks to his extremely intelligent movement. The Man City striker often "hides" from the opponent's defenders' sight before suddenly accelerating to exploit the gap.
This is a center forward who does not need to touch the ball too much but can still make a difference in just one moment. Therefore, the England defense will have to maintain maximum concentration throughout 90 minutes, instead of just marking Haaland when he has the ball. However, locking down the 25-year-old striker is not only about marking people, but also cutting off the ball supply for him.
Martin Odegaard is the "brain" in Norway's playing style. The Arsenal midfielder has made more passes to Haaland than any other teammate at the 2026 World Cup, and also has three assists.
Just one accurate pass from Odegaard or a quality cross from both wings, Haaland can completely punish any mistakes of the England defense. Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham will have to put maximum pressure to limit the coordination ability of the Norwegian captain.
Besides, Andreas Schjelderup is also a significant threat. This winger has had three assists, including a pass that helped Haaland open the score against Brazil in the round of 16. Antonio Nusa is also ready to make a difference thanks to his speed and dribbling ability.
Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi of the England team are likely to be assigned the task of directly facing Haaland. Konsa has faced the Norwegian striker twice at club level and has not let him score, while Guehi has been scored twice by Haaland.
In addition to Haaland, England must also be wary of Alexander Sorloth. Although often having to play on the wing to give the center forward position to Haaland, the Norwegian striker still possesses a very dangerous aerial combat, pressing and finishing ability.
If they can block Haaland, and neutralize the creativity of Odegaard and the surrounding satellites, England will get closer to a ticket to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. However, against a Norway that is in high form, this will certainly be the biggest challenge for Thomas Tuchel's team since the beginning of the tournament.
The match between Norway and England takes place at 4:00 AM on July 12 (Vietnam time).
