Martin Odegaard has praised his Arsenal teammate Declan Rice as 'unbelievable' ahead of Norway's World Cup quarter-final clash with England on Saturday night in Miami. The Norwegian captain, who has led his nation to their first World Cup quarter-final in history, is relishing the challenge of facing Rice and the Three Lions at Hard Rock Stadium.
Odegaard's Form and Norway's Historic Run
Odegaard has been instrumental in Norway's campaign, winning four of their opening five matches, including a stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil. Alongside Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals in four games, Odegaard has inspired the Vikings to unprecedented success. Despite an up-and-down season with Arsenal, the midfielder has rediscovered his best form on the global stage.
Sickness Bug in Norwegian Camp
A sickness bug has affected the Norwegian squad, with Jorgen Strand Larsen, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, and head coach Stale Solbakken reportedly feeling unwell. However, Odegaard downplayed the issue, attributing it to travel between cities. 'It's nothing major to be honest,' he told reporters. 'We've had a few people feeling a bit sick but it's nothing major and we should be all good for Saturday.'
Odegaard on Rice and England
Odegaard revealed he has spoken with Arsenal teammates in the England squad during the tournament. 'I've spoken to a few of them a little bit during the tournament, but obviously we know the quality they have,' he said. 'Outstanding players, world-class players playing for probably one of the best national teams in the world at the moment.'
Regarding Rice, Odegaard said: 'He's been outstanding. Playing with him, you can see all the qualities and it's such a pleasure to share the pitch with him. What he's been doing for such a long time is just unbelievable so I'm looking forward to the challenge.'
John Terry's Warning to England
Former England captain John Terry warned that stopping Odegaard and Haaland is key to England's chances. 'Everything that goes well through that team goes through Martin Odegaard,' Terry said on Piers Morgan Uncensored. 'If England stop him and Erling Haaland then we have a big, big chance.'
Match Details
The quarter-final kicks off at 10pm BST on Saturday at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The winner will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals.
