Solbakken: England are favourites, but the pressure is on them more than us

Ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal in Miami, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken spoke candidly about facing England. His side has been the tournament’s surprise package, having beaten Iraq, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Brazil in the round of 16 — an unprecedented run for a nation that hadn't appeared at a World Cup since 1998. Solbakken acknowledged England’s favourite status but insisted it doesn’t come without weight. “They are favourites — but not huge, not overwhelming favourites. I think there’s much more pressure on England than on us. We also demand a lot from ourselves, but once the game starts, I don’t think players think about pressure.” The Norwegian boss praised Thomas Tuchel’s work, especially after England’s win over Mexico while down to ten men following Jarell Quansah’s red card. “Mexico created very few chances. Tuchel got his best players — Bellingham, Kane — into good positions. They have width, and the midfield is solid with Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice. We need to defend well and be ourselves.” All eyes are on the duel between Erling Haaland (7 goals) and Harry Kane (6), but Solbakken refuses to reduce the match to that. Norway also relies on Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard. Against Brazil, Norway had 66.4% possession, but the coach doesn’t expect a repeat due to the Miami heat. The team has held light technical sessions to stay fresh. Solbakken took a moment to honour his childhood hero, former Liverpool and England striker Kevin Keegan, who has fallen ill recently. “My biggest regret in World Cup history is that Kevin Keegan didn’t score when he came on against Spain in 1982. He was my big hero. I hope he’s okay. We grew up watching English football on TV from the late 60s. Liverpool was my team, Kevin was my player. I send him my best wishes.” Thousands of Norwegian fans have already travelled to Florida. For Solbakken, this World Cup has united the nation. “All of Norway is waiting for the biggest football match in our history.” The winner will face either Argentina or Switzerland in next Wednesday’s semifinal in Atlanta.