Tuchel and Kane expect stern Norway test in World Cup quarter-final clash
By Joel Masibo, July 11, 2026England manager Thomas Tuchel and skipper Harry Kane have admitted they are anticipating a demanding encounter when they face Norway in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Addressing journalists in Miami on Friday,July 10, 2026, Tuchel revealed that nearly every member of his squad is fit and available for selection ahead of the crucial knockout fixture.
“Everyone was available in training, which is exactly what we want,” Tuchel said. “We have a full squad to choose from, apart from our suspended player, Jarell Quansah.”
England’s defence nightmare
Quansah is unavailable after receiving a red card during England’s dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 triumph over Mexico. Although the defender’s suspension is a setback, Tuchel insisted his players remain fully focused on advancing further in the tournament.
“We took a big step in our last match, but it was only one step. We are still hungry and have a big objective. The next step is to win the quarterfinal,” the coach added.
The German tactician also highlighted Kane’s importance to the team, describing the striker as a key figure both on and off the pitch.
“He is our leader and our captain. He leads by example,” Tuchel said of Kane. “He is in the form of his life and at the highest point of his career, which helps us enormously.”
Kane acknowledged that England will face a confident Norwegian side making its first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades. He believes their opponents have momentum and belief on their side.
“They are very well coached, both with and without the ball. It is our job to try to find weaknesses and identify changes in their structure. We want to impose our game tomorrow,” said the captain.
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the match is the battle between Kane and Norway striker Erling Haaland. Haaland has netted seven goals at the tournament, one more than Kane, with both players trailing Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who have each scored eight.
“Erling has been incredible. Physically, he is a machine and a beast,” Kane said. “I see myself as a different type of player, although I score the same goals. I like to maybe touch the ball a little bit more, be involved with the play a little bit more, but also can play as maybe the out-and-out No. 9.
“I don’t think it’s one to compare ourselves. I respect him a lot as a player and as a professional. Obviously, I’m hoping he has a quiet day tomorrow, but I think his overall performance is very good. He’s a fantastic player.”
Kane sets target
Although Kane claimed the World Cup Golden Boot in 2018, England’s campaign ended in the semifinals. This time, he says lifting the trophy is the priority over individual accolades.
“My main goal is to win the World Cup more than another golden boot, but I also know I’m a goalscorer, I’m the No. 9, so if I’m scoring goals, it’s obviously going to help the team,” he said.
England enters the quarterfinal backed by a strong record in recent international tournaments, having reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, the quarterfinals in 2022, and finishing second at the UEFA European Championships in both 2020 and 2024.
“A lot of these players have played in big games and experienced big moments,” Kane said. “I think we are better prepared for this situation.”
The team that emerges victorious from Sunday’s contest will secure a place in the World Cup semifinals, where either Argentina or Switzerland awaits.