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Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has downplayed suggestions that the presence of Premier League stars in his squad gives them an advantage ahead of their World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash against England. Despite Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard being among the top players in English football, Solbakken doesn't believe this tips the scales in his team's favor. The coach countered by pointing out that England's most influential players compete outside of England – top scorer Harry Kane at Bayern Munich and star Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid.
“I’m not sure if that’s an advantage. Some of our players have obviously faced many of the English internationals. But England’s two best players aren’t in the Premier League. They’re in Spain and Germany, so you could look at it that way too,” Solbakken commented to the media.
He was quick to praise Erling Haaland, who scored two goals in the 2-1 victory over Brazil in the round of 16. Solbakken also confirmed that there are no injured or sick players in the squad ahead of the crucial match.
“Erling is part of the collective and has been with this group since their youth teams. Many of them have known each other since childhood and are now enjoying this adventure. Martin Ødegaard, on the other hand, has a freer role with us, unlike his role at Arsenal. Every match is different. None of our opponents so far have underestimated us. There will be no secrets in the upcoming game either,” added the Norwegian coach.
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