Norway legend John Arne Riise has urged his nation to target England’s right-back when the two nations collide in the World Cup quarter-final tonight. England silenced the Azteca Stadium with a thrilling victory over Mexico on Monday to book their place in the last eight, with Norway beating five-time world champions Brazil.
Haaland Leads Norway's Attack
A place in the semi-final awaits the winner, with Erling Haaland leading Norway’s hopes having scored seven times in his four matches, just one goal behind Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. Norway have shown their strength in other positions too, with Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb in support on the wings. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has impressed along with Fulham’s Sander Berge, who is having a fine tournament in midfield.
England's Right-Back Dilemma
Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, has had a problem to solve at right-back with Reece James missing the last three games with a hamstring injury. Jarell Quansah slotted into that role but a two-match suspension for a red card against Mexico rules him out tonight. James has returned to training but after missing games against Panama, DR Congo and Mexico, it remains to be seen whether he comes straight back into the starting XI tonight, with Djed Spence also available.
Riise's Tactical Advice
Former left-back Riise, who made over 200 appearances for Liverpool, hopes to see Nusa start on the left of Norway’s attack, urging him to ‘isolate’ whoever does start for England at right-back. ‘It entirely depends on who England start at right-back,’ Riise told BestBettingSites. ‘If Antonio Nusa is playing on our left wing, my primary instruction would be: give the ball to Nusa early and let him isolate his fullback 1v1. If Oscar Bobb is on the opposite side and Martin Odegaard is pulling the strings, we need to exploit the spaces left when England’s fullbacks push forward. Their fullbacks love to advance, and the vacant space behind them is where we can hurt them. And obviously, look to use Haaland’s explosive runs to exploit that space in behind the centre-backs.’
Key Midfield Battle
Riise also anticipates a big performance from Patrick Berg in midfield up against Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson. ‘Obviously Nusa and Oscar Bobb, who is at Fulham now. Sander Berge, the midfield player from Fulham as well, has been exceptional,’ Riise continued. ‘But if I have to pick one, look at Patrick Berg from Bodø/Glimt. He’s the number six. He didn’t start the first couple of games but came on and has been unbelievable. I think a lot of clubs are looking at him, and he would be perfect for the Premier League. Keep an eye on him because he is an incredibly hard-working player. I love Patrick Berg. Then we have Julian Ryerson at right-back, who plays for Dortmund. I think he’s one of the best fullbacks in the world when he’s 100% fit. It’s not going to be an easy game for England, that’s sure.’
