Norway manager Stale Solbakken believes England enter Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final in Miami as the favorites to reach the semi-finals. The match, which kicks off at 22:00 BST, pits the Three Lions against a Norway side that recently eliminated five-time world champions Brazil in the last 16.

Speaking to BBC sports editor Dan Roan, Solbakken acknowledged England’s status while noting the scale of the challenge. “They are favourites, but they’re not big, big favourites,” he said. During a press conference at the Miami Stadium, the former Wolves boss added: “I think England have more pressure than us. But we also put pressure on our performance. Once the game starts I don’t think the players think about the pressure.”

Norway’s squad features significant Premier League experience, notably Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. “Brazil and England are maybe the two biggest nations we could meet at this World Cup in terms of history,” Solbakken noted. The winner of this tie will face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta next Wednesday for a spot in the 19 July final.

‘It’s Norway v England – not Haaland v Kane’

Striker Erling Haaland has netted seven goals during Norway’s historic run, marking the nation’s furthest advancement in their first World Cup appearance since 1998. The team’s momentum has built through victories over Iraq, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Brazil.

While media focus often centers on a scoring duel between Haaland and England captain Harry Kane, who has six goals in five matches, Solbakken insisted the match remains a team effort. “It’s not a secret that Kane is match-winner number one for England and Erling is match-winner number one for us,” he explained. “There’s no doubt that he [Haaland] is our biggest match-winner, but I think you underestimate some of the other players if you think that’s the whole theme. He also needs service but you can’t deny that he is a big, big match-winner for us.”

Solbakken expressed admiration for the England squad, particularly following their 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico, where they overcame the 54th-minute dismissal of defender Jarell Quansah. “We need to compete and defend properly. We need to concentrate on the pitch and then we can be ourselves,” Solbakken said. He highlighted the threat posed by Jude Bellingham and Kane, noting England’s tactical depth under Thomas Tuchel and the stability provided in midfield by Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice.

Regarding Norway’s tactical approach, Solbakken does not expect to replicate the 66.4% possession they enjoyed against Brazil. Citing the humid conditions in Miami, he confirmed that training intensity has been reduced to keep players fresh for the quarter-final.

‘I hope Kevin is well – he was my big hero’

With thousands of Norwegian supporters traveling to Miami, Solbakken reflected on how the tournament run has united his country. The manager also took time to pay tribute to his childhood idol, former England captain Kevin Keegan, who recently disclosed he is battling stage four cancer.

“My biggest regret in World Cup history is that Kevin Keegan did not score when he came on against Spain in 1982,” said the 58-year-old. “He was my big hero. I hope Kevin is well. My team was Liverpool and Kevin was my man. So I say hello to Kevin.”