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World Cup: England coach Tuchel speaks on Norway’s threat and stopping Haaland
11th July, 2026 04:16 PM
England coach Thomas Tuchel has heaped praise on their quarterfinal opponent in the 2026 World Cup, Norway, acknowledging the serious challenge posed by the nation ahead of Sunday, July 12, 2026, encounter in Miami.
The Scandinavian nation will face off against the Three Lions in the third quarterfinal clash in Miami with a coveted semifinal berth at stake.
Tuchel described the team as a wonderful, full-packaged side despite coming in as one of the underdogs of the tournament.
Overachieving
“They are aware of their capabilities internally, and from outside they are playing the underdog role and overachieving already in it. They will come with full flow and belief. They are a strong team with a strong coach and full of belief,” he stated.
The German also highlighted the team’s individual talent, singling out star striker Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. According to the England boss, only a collective role will be enough to thwart and neutralise the offensive threat of the EPL duo
“They have a strong front line led by Haaland, who can decide any match in the world. Stopping him is a collective responsibility. Always fight him in a positive way and stop the supply to him. They also have Odegaard, who will always mix up the structure all the time,” he insisted.
Haaland heads into the game on the back of two-goal heroics that saw the European powerhouse dump out five-time champions Brazil on a 2-1 victory in the round of 16.
Haaland’s heroic World Cup debut
The achievement was part of his odd-defying run in his first World Cup appearance and Norway’s return to the global stage after a 28-year wait.
With seven goals so far, Haaland has already surpassed the six goals Brazil legend Pelé managed during his iconic 1958 debut as a 17-year-old. While Haaland is admittedly older than Pelé was, his tally is also nearly double the four goals Kylian Mbappé scored at age 19 to help France secure the 2018 World Cup title.
Read: Inside Haaland’s potential greatest-ever World Cup debut ahead of England duel
The 25-year-old is on the back of a remarkably rich vein of goal-scoring form, with a goal in each of Norway’s last 13 competitive matches, yielding an astonishing 25 goals since October 2024.
Their clash against England will kick off at 12:00 am.
