Former England goalkeeper David James, writing exclusively for Metro, believes the Three Lions have the tools to neutralise Erling Haaland and advance to the World Cup semi-finals. After a stunning quarter-final victory over Mexico, England face a Norway side that eliminated Brazil, with Haaland scoring seven goals in the tournament.
England's best performance yet
James hailed England's 3-1 win over Mexico as possibly their finest World Cup display, surpassing even the iconic 5-1 triumph over Germany. "It was probably the best game I have seen from England in the World Cup," he wrote. "The quality of the goals was immense but there was a requirement for defending and it was a better all-round performance from everybody." However, he cautioned against overconfidence, noting manager Thomas Tuchel's disappointment that the team didn't play as they trained. "That's good. It means there is more left when we come up against better opposition."
Stopping the Viking Row
Central to England's game plan is containing Erling Haaland, who has scored 16 of his 17 World Cup shots from inside the box. James, who studied Haaland's tendencies, emphasised that defenders Marc Guehi and John Stones, Haaland's Manchester City teammates, know his habits intimately. "I can't imagine for one minute England will allow Norway to slow down and recycle the ball until Erling is ready," James said. "Therefore, the pressure on him will be big, he will have less opportunity to dictate the tempo of his team's performance." He noted that last season Haaland took more shots from outside the box due to City's struggles, but England's defensive energy can frustrate him. "Stop the crosses, stop Norway's flow on the ball, stop Haaland. It sounds easy, but what we have seen from England is they have the energy and ability to do that."
Pickford's aerial dominance vs Nyland's heroics
James praised Jordan Pickford's commanding performance against Mexico, particularly his aerial presence. "What he did aerially, his presence, his decision making, his execution, it was all superb. It took pressure off the defence." On the other side, Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland was exceptional against Brazil, but James argued England pose a different threat. "With England, it is a very different proposition from Brazil. England are a better defensive unit across the back than Brazil are."
Team selection and substitutes
James expects Tuchel to field a similar XI to the Mexico game, with Jarell Quansah suspended. He lamented the lack of minutes for Kobbie Mainoo but acknowledged the impact of substitutes like Dan Burn. "Everyone knew their role and improved the defensive side of things." Declan Rice's midfield performance also impressed, looking fresher despite less rest. "I think subs will have a key role to play again," James concluded.
