England's Challenge: Stopping Haaland and Norway

Norway, often labeled as the dark horse of the World Cup 2026, has surpassed expectations with their notable performance. Having secured a second-place finish in Group B ahead of Senegal, they advanced by defeating Ivory Coast and Brazil, netting 12 goals in five matches. Now, they are set to face England, who must find a way to contain their unpredictable play and star striker, Erling Haaland.

Under coach Stale Solbakken, Norway showcases a tactical mix of possession play and swift counterattacks. The team’s build-up begins with goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, whose distribution has been instrumental. Norway typically deploys a wide back four, with the keeper providing a fifth option while two holding midfielders show for the ball. This strategy creates numerical advantages in defense, facilitating transitions up the pitch. In instances where short-range options are unavailable, Nyland often resorts to utilizing 6ft 5in Alexander Sorloth on the right wing, making him a target for long diagonal passes.

For England’s left-back, Nico O’Reilly, marking Sorloth presents a formidable challenge but offers a fair matchup given O’Reilly’s height. Stopping Norway’s dynamic buildup requires careful strategy. A man-to-man press could limit Norway's numerical superiority, although it risks leaving Haaland with space. Most coaches would prefer a defender to cover Haaland, resulting in an extra man at the back.

England’s pressing tactics face challenges. If they choose to press with fewer players, it could lead to Norway having numerical advantages, especially as their goalkeeper also contributes to buildup. Alternatively, a more passive approach might frustrate England, allowing Norway to control the pace of the game. Martin Odegaard plays a crucial role, frequently dropping deep and executing short passes that prevent opponents from closing in on Norway.

Brazil's defensive strategy provided insights; they successfully forced Norway to the keeper’s weaker side, effectively cutting off one side of the field. England might find it advantageous to compel Norway into longer passes from Nyland, possibly targeting his left foot, while preparing to contest possession.

Typically defending with a front two, England might find themselves outnumbered in the midfield if they only press with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. However, pushing a midfielder like Declan Rice forward could create advantageous, albeit chaotic, situations.

To counter Haaland’s threat, teams must either cut off his service or directly confront him, the latter being considerably more difficult. With Norway often relying on their width and dynamic rotations, forwards Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup frequently create space for Haaland by making overlapping runs. Denying these back-post crosses, particularly through doubling up on the wings, could limit Haaland’s opportunities. Past performances, such as those against Crystal Palace, illustrate how tightly marking Haaland can minimize his influence, showcasing the challenge that lies ahead for England.