Norway striker Erling Haaland has scored seven goals in the tournament, including a double that eliminated five-time champions Brazil in the last round. Norway, ranked 19th in FIFA, are the dark horses and face England in Saturday's quarter-final in Miami.
Norway's Tactical Setup
Norway played a 4-3-3 formation in possession, with a flat back four and Sander Berge dropping into midfield to receive the ball. Brazil did not press high, allowing Berge to distribute wide or through the lines. Martin Odegaard served as the creative spark in midfield.
The front three featured Haaland through the middle, with Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa initially wide. Both were replaced at half-time by Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup, who provided both assists. Defensively, Norway shifts to a 4-5-1 shape, with Haaland remaining as an outlet for long balls.
How to Neutralize Haaland
According to a veteran Premier League scout who worked for top clubs, England must consider using a physically dominant defender like Dan Burn to mark Haaland. The scout noted that Haaland thrives on crosses and physical duels, and England's current centre-backs, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi, are better suited to pace and movement than aerial dominance.
“If you get too tight, he rolls you or spins down the side. If you stand off, he turns and attacks the space,” the scout said. “It’s vital England keep the ball, dominate possession, and keep him out of the game.”
England's Strengths
The scout expressed confidence in England's midfield, stating that Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are superior to Norway's midfielders. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are expected to get the first contact on the ball, and Anthony Gordon is stepping up. The scout identified weaknesses in Norway's centre-backs when facing pace and clever movement.
“I don’t see them stopping Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane,” the scout added. “England will win, especially with the right coach.”
Verdict
The scout concluded that England needs players with strong mentality—'big boy pants'—and that the team should keep possession to limit Haaland's impact. Set-pieces are a concern due to Norway's height, but England's quality should prevail.
