England may have been handed a major World Cup boost after reports that Norway’s squad has been hit with a bout of sickness. The Three Lions battled hard to come through a banana skin clash against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium over the weekend to book their spot in a third consecutive World Cup quarter-final.
Victory in Miami against Norway would see England through to just their second semi-final since 1990, while their opponents have never made it this far at a World Cup. Norway have been spearheaded by the imperious Erling Haaland, who is level on goals with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe for the tournament so far.
Illness Strikes Norway Camp
Haaland will once again be Norway’s biggest threat against England, but only if he’s feeling fit. It’s reported by Dagbladet that the Norway camp has succumbed to a mystery illness, which could disrupt their preparations for Saturday’s quarter-final. It’s also said that the constant flights and travelling have taken their toll on the players, with the illness having potentially been exacerbated by that.
Jorgen Strand Larsen had missed the opening game of the World Cup through illness, while defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was unavailable against Brazil after falling ill.
Manager Comments on Bug
Stale Solbakken was asked about the threat of a bug within the camp, with the Norway manager replying: "We've really only had Jorgen who has had a fever. But then there's been a bit of coughing and rasping evenly, scattered throughout. But there's air conditioning, flights, changing rooms and all that. We're over 50 people so it would be strange if one or the other didn't come."
While on the prospect of facing England, Solbakken said: "We have to study England but obviously we have seen them in their previous games in the tournament and they will be a very strong opponent but hopefully it will be a very even and tight game."
Path to the Final
Whoever comes out victorious in the England vs Norway encounter will be rewarded with a clash against one of Argentina, Egypt, Colombia or Switzerland. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the bracket, either France, Spain, Morocco or Belgium will contest the World Cup final in just under two weeks.
