Preview: England vs Norway – prediction, team news, line-ups

After surviving Mexico’s late onslaught with 10 men to come away with a 3-2 success, England now head to Miami to cross swords with Norway on Saturday. 

Underestimating the task would be a grave mistake for the Three Lions, as the Vikings are coming off the back of a morale-boosting 2-1 victory against Brazil in the round of 16. 

Match Preview

Beating Mexico at the Estadio Azteca was a towering challenge for England, who were far from convincing in their previous four World Cup matches. 

They made a good start with Jude Bellingham scoring twice to put them in control, but Julian Quinones reduced the deficit before half-time. 

Harry Kane restored their two-goal advantage after Jarell Quansah’s red card, but the experienced striker also conceded a penalty. 

Despite playing with 10 men, England managed to survive Mexico’s late onslaught to seal a memorable victory. 

Confidence will likely be sky-high in their camp, but there will be no room for complacency as they meet a high-flying Norway side who knocked Brazil out of the competition. 

With Erling Haaland firing on all cylinders, the Vikings will believe they can go all the way and win the World Cup trophy on July 19. 

Team News 

Quansah will serve his suspension on Saturday after receiving a red card against Mexico for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo. 

Reece James hasn’t fully recovered and his availability is doubtful, with Djed Spence likely to feature at right-back. 

Meanwhile, Norway arrive in Miami with all of their options available. 

Left-back David Moller Wolfe was forced off just before the end of the match against Mexico, but he has returned to training and is expected to play. 

England vs Norway predicted line-ups 

England: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Norway: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Berg, Berge; Bobb, Odegaard, Schjelderup; Haaland

England vs Norway prediction 

England are starting to hit peak form just at the perfect time. 

Norway also have world-class players in their ranks, but we don’t see them beating the Three Lions this weekend. 

England 2-1 Norway