England will be looking to reach the 2026 World Cup semi-finals when they face Norway tonight at 10pm (UK time).
The Three Lions have now reached the quarter-finals in the past three World Cups, after their group-stage exit in 2014. But they bowed out at this stage four years ago, so will be hoping to go at least one further this time around.
England have won four of their five games at the World Cup so far, finishing top of their group with seven points from a possible nine. That set up a last-32 tie against DR Congo, with England needing a late comeback to advance. England then faced co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in the last-16, overcoming adversity to eventually win 3-2.
Norway are in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time ever, and will looking to continue their dream tournament. This was already a big moment for Norway, who ended a 28-year absence at the World Cup, in qualifying for 2026. They finished second in their group but had qualification secured after two games, losing the final match having rotated heavily.
Norway still needed a late fight to beat Ivory Coast in the round-of-32, with Erling Haaland scoring the winner four minutes from time. Haaland was the hero in the last-16, too, scoring both goals as Norway knocked five-time champions Brazil out for a historic result.
This will be the 13th game between England and Norway, with the Three Lions winning seven so far. But it’s the first major tournament meeting, and a first game since 2014.
Norway vs England team news
England team news
Jarrel Quansah has been suspended for two games following his red card against Mexico. The defender started at right-back but was sent off minutes into the second-half for bad challenge, following a VAR review. Quansah had replaced Djed Spence in the starting lineup, so this could be a straight swap again. Reece James is still an injury risk.
There are also huge doubts surrounding Marc Guehi. The centre-back reportedly picked up a slight hamstring injury in the win over Mexico. He could be replaced by John Stones, though Dan Burn will hope for a chance to start. The rest of the defence should remain the same, though Nico O’Reilly is a suspension worry. Ezri Konsa will partner either Stones or Burn, with Jordan Pickford in goal.
Jordan Henderson is expected to miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering a wrist injury celebrating England’s win over Mexico. The midfielder Declan Rice has been struggling with illness and it’ll be touch and go as to whether he takes part. Rice is also a suspension risk after a yellow card against Mexico. The same can be said of Jude Bellingham who will start in the No.10.
Anthony Gordon impressed on the left-wing against Mexico and should keep his place, but Bukayo Saka may drop out for Noni Madueke. Harry Kane will lead the line.
Norway team news
Stale Solbakken is once again sweating over the fitness of David Moller Wolfe. The left-back had to come off late on in the win over Brazil having picked up a knock. Leo Ostigard replaced Wolfe and may start on the left, given Fredik Bjorkan’s struggles when given a start against France in the group stages. Julian Ryerson made a welcome return after injury last time out and should keep his spot on the right side of the defence.
Kristoffer Ajer and Torbjorn Heggem remain the first-choice centre-back partnership, with Orjan Nyland in goal. Solbakken moved his midfield around against Brazil, playing Martin Odegaard in a more advanced No.10 position. That could continue here, given the success and uncertainty surrounding England’s backline. Sander Berge was joined by Patrick Berg in the double pivot, with Fredrik Aursnes having to make do with a substitute role.
Andreas Schjelderup may hope for a start after his positive performance off the bench against Brazil. But he may have to make do with another substitute appearance, running better against tired legs. Antonio Nusa has scored four of Norway’s five games at left wing, with Alexander Sorloth on the right. Erling Haaland will, of course, spearhead the attack. According to reports, though, a bug is spreading through the Norway squad — which could alter their team at the last minute.
Norway vs England predicted lineups
Norway (4-2-3-1): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Ostigard; Berg, Berge; Sorloth, Odegaard, Nusa; Haaland.
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
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