Preview: Norway vs England | Latest news, line-ups, absences (11/07/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Norway vs England in the World Cup quarter-finals
Norway and England are set to lock horns in Miami on Saturday, July 11, with a place in a historic World Cup quarter-final clash.
Norway arrive as one of the stories of the tournament after stunning Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16. Erling Haaland scored twice late on at MetLife Stadium, the stadium to host the 2026 World Cup final, turning the match on its head and sending the five-time world champions home.
England also came through a dramatic last-16 tie, beating Mexico 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca despite playing much of the second half with 10 men. Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first half, Harry Kane added a penalty after the break and Thomas Tuchel’s side survived heavy late pressure after Jarell Quansah’s red card.
Latest news: absences, form, team news
Norway’s confidence could hardly be higher. They were under pressure for long spells against Brazil, but Solbakken’s substitutions changed the match, with Andreas Schjelderup assisting both of Haaland’s late goals. Haaland now has seven goals at the tournament, putting him level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi in the World Cup Golden Boot race. His form is the clearest reason England cannot treat Norway like underdogs.
England’s biggest issue is Quansah’s suspension after his red card against Mexico. Tuchel must adjust the defence again, although England showed impressive resilience after going down to 10 men at the Azteca. Jordan Henderson will miss the rest of the tournament after suffering a wrist injury during the post-match celebrations, although he was not expected to start this quarter-final.
There are also a number of England players who could miss the semi-final through suspension. The biggest concerns surround Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice who, with a yellow card, would be ruled out of a potential final four clash, along with defenders Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly.
Norway
Solbakken is expected to stay close to the structure that beat Brazil, although Schjelderup’s impact from the bench has given him a real selection decision. Ørjan Nyland should continue in goal, with Julian Ryerson, Torbjørn Heggem, Kristoffer Ajer and David Møller Wolfe likely to form the back four. Sander Berge and Patrick Berg give Norway balance, while Martin Ødegaard remains the creative leader. In attack, Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup could support Haaland, who will again be the focal point, as Solbakken is expected to have a fully-fit squad to choose from.
England
Tuchel is expected to keep the same attacking core, but Quansah’s suspension forces a defensive change, while Reece James is an injury doubt ahead of Saturday’s clash. Jordan Pickford should start in goal, with Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi and Nico O’Reilly the likely back four. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham remain central to England’s midfield, while Bukayo Saka, Kane and Anthony Gordon are expected to continue in attack.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
England have the stronger historical record against Norway, with seven wins, three draws and two defeats from 12 senior meetings. Norway’s most famous win came in 1981, when they beat England 2-1 in Oslo in World Cup qualifying. This will be the first World Cup knockout stage meeting between the nations.
Recent meetings:
- 03/09/2014: England 1-0 Norway (International friendly)
- 26/05/2012: Norway 0-1 England (International friendly)
- 12/10/1994: England 0-0 Norway (UEFA Euro qualifier)
- 02/06/1993: Norway 2-0 England (FIFA World Cup qualifier)
- 14/10/1992: England 1-1 Norway (FIFA World Cup qualifier)
Predicted line-ups
Norway are expected to reward the core of the team that eliminated Brazil, while England must make at least one defensive adjustment because of Quansah’s suspension.
Tactical analysis: Haaland vs England’s defence
Norway do not need to dominate possession to hurt England, because Ødegaard can release runners quickly and Haaland can turn half-chances into goals. England’s centre-backs must be aggressive but careful. If they drop too deep, Norway can move up the pitch and feed Ødegaard. If they push too high, Haaland will attack the space behind them.
England’s advantage should come in midfield. Rice, Bellingham and Anderson give Tuchel more technical variety, while Saka and Gordon can stretch Norway’s full-backs. Kane’s ability to drop deep could also pull Ajer or Østigård out of position and create space for runners.
Key players to watch
Erling Haaland (Norway)
Haaland is the reason Norway believe anything is possible. His two late goals against Brazil were ruthless, and he now looks like a genuine Golden Boot contender. England can defend well for 89 minutes and still be punished if they switch off once. That is the danger Haaland brings. Haaland to score first is tempting given how much of Norway’s attacking plan runs through him.
Jude Bellingham (England)
Bellingham dragged England through the first half against Mexico with two goals in quick succession. He has become the player who changes the emotional temperature of England’s biggest matches. Against Norway, his duel with Ødegaard could define the contest. If Bellingham can break beyond Norway’s midfield, England should create chances. Bellingham to score or assist looks one of England’s best player markets for this game.
Where to watch Norway vs England in the UK and Ireland
Norway vs England kicks off at 22:00 BST on Saturday, July 11 at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on ITV1 (STV in Scotland), with streaming available from both respective channels.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available live through RTÉ and RTÉ Player.
England vs Norway prediction and betting tips
The latest England vs Norway odds place the Three Lions as favourites, but Norway’s win over Brazil has changed the tone of this tie. Current markets imply approximately a 57% chance of an England win inside 90 minutes, compared to around 20% for Norway, while the draw is rated at roughly 23%.
Norway have already proved they can beat elite opposition, and Haaland gives them a route to victory against anyone. England, though, have more depth, more midfield control and enough attacking quality to survive another difficult knockout night. It should be tense, but our World Cup betting experts lean believe England have what it takes to edge past Norway.
