Norway are in their first World Cup quarter-final as they take on England tonight in Miami. There will be plenty of familiar faces on show, including Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning captain Martin Odegaard and Manchester City’s record-breaking striker Erling Haaland. But plenty in red tonight will be somewhat new to onlookers. Standard Sport has assessed who to look out for in the Norway squad.
Goalkeepers
Orjan Nyland, once of Aston Villa, Norwich, Bournemouth and Reading, is Norway’s No1 goalkeeper but is currently without a club after being released by Sevilla following the expiry of his contract.
Defenders
Marcus Holmgren Pedersen came into the tournament as Norway’s back-up right-back but his importance has risen following an injury setback. He scored in the 3-2 win over Senegal. Kristoffer Ajer, Brentford’s towering centre-half, could have a battle on his hands with Harry Kane. Julian Ryerson, the Borussia Dortmund star, is a modern-day full-back who loves to attack and has been linked with a move to Liverpool. Torbjorn Heggem is a versatile defender now at Bologna after a spell in England with West Brom. David Moller Wolfe, the Wolves left-back, has put the disappointment of relegation behind him to help Norway reach the quarter-finals.
Midfielders
Martin Odegaard, Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning captain, has come off a frustrating season because of injury but has looked right at home at the World Cup. He has recorded an assist in each of his three appearances in North America. Sander Berge is Norway’s midfield powerhouse who will have his work cut out trying to dominate against England. Patrick Berg is a key name for a Bodo/Glimt side that has taken European football by storm in the past two seasons.
Forwards
Alexander Sorloth, once of Crystal Palace where he struggled, has grown into a fearsome striker first at Trabzonspor, then Villarreal and now Atletico Madrid, where he averages just shy of a goal every other game. He can play both through the centre and also off the right. Erling Haaland is arguably the world’s best striker – though Harry Kane may have a thing or two to say about that. The Manchester City record-breaking no9 needs little introduction. Antonio Nusa is one of Europe’s more exciting young talents. He has been linked with Tottenham previously and was a failed medical away from joining Brentford in 2024. He is now with RB Leipzig and continues to back up the hype. Oscar Bobb came through the ranks at Manchester City alongside Haaland but moved to Fulham in January in search of more regular first-team football. He is an exciting winger on his day and is set to get a proper look in this tournament. Jorgen Strand Larsen is Haaland’s back-up and as such does not get too much of a look-in. He has six goals in 29 games. He moved from Wolves to Crystal Palace in January and is among the better Premier League strikers.
