Norway have surprised everyone, finishing second in Group B and knocking out Brazil with 12 goals in five matches. Erling Haaland has already scored seven, and his pace and finish threaten England’s defence.

The Norwegian set‑up revolves around Orjan Nyland’s short, incisive distribution and a wide back‑four that overloads the back line. When short options fail, Alexander Sorloth receives long diagonal balls on the right, a pattern that England’s Nico O’Reilly must counter with a physical duel. England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, faces a choice between a full man‑to‑man press that leaves Haaland unmarked, or a dropping‑off approach that risks conceding space.

Tuchel may push Declan Rice high to disrupt Norway’s build‑up while Jude Bellingham drops into midfield to form a five‑man defensive core. This strategy forces Norway to play longer passes and can reduce the effectiveness of Haaland’s back‑post runs.

To neutralise Haaland, England must limit the supply from the wings and use tight marking on him. Maintaining possession limits Norway’s time on the ball and keeps the game on England’s terms, a prerequisite for reaching the semi‑finals.