Gary Neville has predicted that Norway will give England a 'really tough' test in their World Cup quarter-final but is backing the Three Lions to reach the semi-finals. The former England defender spoke after England edged out co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in the last 16, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice and Harry Kane converting a penalty in an all-time classic at the Azteca.
England's victory over Mexico
England's ability to cope with altitude had dominated pre-match talk, and the loss of Jarell Quansah to a red card increased the challenge for Thomas Tuchel's side. Despite Mexico's man advantage, Kane and his teammates withstood a barrage of attacks in the closing stages to advance. Neville described the performance as 'absolutely magnificent.'
Mexico had lost only two of their 89 matches at the Azteca before England's win. Neville said he 'couldn't be more proud' of what Tuchel's squad achieved. 'The game had absolutely everything that you would want in a football match,' he added. 'Going into the lions' den, conditions were difficult, delayed kick-off, penalties, sendings off... England were absolutely magnificent.'
Neville's Norway prediction
The quarter-final will be held at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday at 10pm BST. Neville acknowledged Norway's threat, particularly striker Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals at the tournament. 'It's tough to stop Haaland,' Neville said. 'He can be anonymous in matches but you know he's explosive. He was devastating against Brazil.'
Neville also praised Norway captain Martin Odegaard's performance against Brazil. Despite the challenges, Neville believes England should be favourites. 'We should be favourites and I don't think that's us getting carried away,' he said. 'It's going to be really tough.'
Bellingham's world-class form
Neville singled out Jude Bellingham for special praise after the Real Madrid midfielder won his third man-of-the-match award at the World Cup. 'I think in this tournament, if I didn't think he was world-class before, I think he's absolutely smashed through that ceiling,' Neville said. 'What we saw last night was a complete performance, it was absolutely incredible. He has carried England in these last five matches.'
Neville also praised England's defensive shape and the connection between wide players and the defensive unit. 'I thought our shape was fantastic in the first half,' he said. 'The back four looked more solid and I felt really comfortable.' He added that the team showed grit and determination, with every player contributing.
