Chris Sutton names his World Cup quarterfinal picks – including England vs Norway

Four more teams will be heading home after the World Cup quarter-finals, but which four will be staying on for the semi-finals? sources football expert Chris Sutton did pretty well with his predictions for the last 16, with Switzerland's penalty shootout win over Colombia the only tie to catch him out. AI found things harder, and was wrong about Brazil's defeat by Norway and the USA's elimination by Belgium. For once, the users of the broadcaster's new predictor game did not take bragging rights – they also only managed 6/8 correct results – but with 96 of this World Cup's 104 matches now completed, they still lead the way in the overall scores. Chris and AI have both been right 61 times (64%) but you lot are on top with 68 (71%). Will there be any more surprises in the quarter-finals, which includes England against Norway and France versus Morocco? AI's predictions have been generated using Microsoft Copilot Chat. We simply asked the tool to 'predict the results of the World Cup quarter-final ties'. The broadcaster predictor game allows readers to pick a winner from each knockout tie. QUARTER-FINAL TIES Thursday, 9 July France v Morocco Boston / 21:00 BST This has been a World Cup of surprises but AI always goes for the obvious doesn't it? It doesn't have opinions or insight – that's why it was wrong and thought Brazil would beat Norway in the last round. I don't rely on algorithms – and that's why I got that tie right. However, while I am brave when it comes to my predictions, I am not stupid – well, not all the time anyway – which is why I am going for the favourites here. I have backed France to win this World Cup from the start, and I am not going to change my mind now. Morocco are capable of beating them but, to do it, they will have to do something they have not done so far at this tournament, which is play well for 90 minutes. They were really poor in the first half against Canada in the last 16 and looked really lethargic. They are a team who have spells in games where they look a real force, but if they start like that again this time, then they will be in big trouble. They are a powerful side and skilful too, but key forward Ismael Saibari's injury is a blow too and I am not really sure if they can hurt France without him up front. We saw some real character from France to stay calm in the face of the provocation they got from Paraguay last time out, and we already knew about their quality. Desire Doue came off the bench to make a difference in that game, which shows the strength they have and, because of that – and with Saibari out – I am going for France to take this. Sutton's prediction: 2-1 AI's prediction: 2-1 AI's response to Sutton saying it only picks obvious scores: The aim isn't to be surprising, Chris. The aim is to be right. Friday, 10 July Spain v Belgium Los Angeles / 20:00 BST I thought Spain were miles off it in the final third against Portugal in the last 16. I was covering the game for Radio 5 Live and a big part of why they struggled was because Lamine Yamal was up against Nuno Mendes and did not have the beating of him. Mikel Oyarzabal missed a good early chance for Spain, but after that they didn't really get going until two of their substitutes, Ferran Torres and Mikel Merino, combined to win it for them late on. Spain still haven't conceded a goal which is impressive, but my prediction here is really based on me thinking they cannot be as bad in attack again. Belgium took USA apart last time out, but it's hard to read much into that because I am not really sure if it was down to how bad the USA were on the day. Spain are obviously a much harder test anyway, but Amadou Onana's injury is a blow for Belgium's midfield. I just feel like Spain will dominate the ball and Belgium will have to play on the counter-attack. Will they hurt Spain? No. Will they be the first team to score against them? Another no, I'm afraid. I'm quite surprised Belgium have made it this far, but they are not going any further. Sutton's prediction: 3-0 AI's prediction: 2-0 Saturday, 11 July Norway v England Miami / 22:00 BST England's 3-2 win over Mexico was probably the game of the tournament so far. I really enjoyed the resilience they showed with 10 men, with the subs coming on and John Stones blocking things, Dan Burn heading every ball clear and Djed Spence making some really important challenges. This will be a different kind of test for Gareth Southgate's side. Norway have been impressive, especially after knocking out Brazil in the last round. Erling Haaland is always a threat, and England's defense will need to be at its best. I expect a tight, dramatic contest, and I'm leaning toward England to edge it based on their depth and character shown against Mexico. Sutton's prediction: 2-1 (after extra time) AI's prediction: 1-1 (Norway win on penalties)