Former England international Kyle Walker has identified Norway as the only team capable of derailing England's quest for a second World Cup title. England secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway on Saturday evening in Miami.
England's Gutsy Win Over Mexico
Thomas Tuchel's side overcame a hostile atmosphere, difficult conditions, and a red card for Jarell Quansah to claim one of the most impressive victories in England's tournament history. The win sets up a last-eight clash with Norway, who shocked five-time champions Brazil in New Jersey.
Walker's Warning on Norway
Speaking on The Sun's YouTube channel, Walker explained why Norway pose a greater threat than Brazil. 'I've no disrespect to Brazil, because Brazil are a fantastic team, but I think I would probably prefer to play Brazil as England,' he said. 'I feel that there are spaces where you can get around them, especially, Casemiro and the legs in the midfield. I look at, we could probably run over them. But Norway are a well-organised team. They're not really that bothered about the ball. But when they do get the ball, you can see that they can play. They've got powerhouses up front. And with Erling Haaland and Odegaard at the form that they're in, I think it could be a real problem. But fingers crossed England put in the same performance as they did against Mexico.'
England's Path to the Final
Should England beat Norway, they would face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals. On the other side of the draw, France take on Morocco, while Spain face Belgium for places in the final four. England were eliminated in the quarter-finals in 2022, losing 2-1 to France after Harry Kane missed a late penalty.
Walker's Confidence and Caution
Walker believes England should be disappointed if they don't reach the final. 'I think that England should be a little bit disappointed if they don't get to the final now. That's no pressure from me. I've been on the other side of it when everyone's saying that you should do this and shouldn't do that. But I feel it's a great chance and a great opportunity to go and make history and you need to take it with both hands.' However, he stopped short of labelling England as favourites, adding: 'It's not ours to lose, I don't feel. I still feel that France are probably the favourites to win it.'
France Remain a Threat
Former England defender Micah Richards echoed Walker's sentiment, saying after England's win: 'I think the only team that really worry me is France. They're so dynamic.' France have won all five matches so far and are aiming to become only the third nation after West Germany and Brazil to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.
