Norway had not played in major tournaments this century. However, last year they managed to beat all their rivals in qualifying, including Italy. Reaching the World Cup, the Scandinavians secured an early playoff berth after wins over Iraq and Senegal, so a loss to France’s second lineup no longer mattered. In the knockout rounds, again thanks to Haaland’s goals, they eliminated both Ivory Coast and even Brazil.
England under Tuchel also sailed through qualification. At the main tournament, however, they failed to score and thus did not win only against Ghana — their second match ended 0-0. Before that was a 4-2 win over Croatia, followed by a 2-0 win against Panama. Calmly progressing to the playoffs, they then narrowly defeated DR Congo (2-1) and, despite being a man down, Mexico (3-2).
Erling and company average 2.1 goals scored, conceding a third less, at 1.4 per game. The Euro runner-up is currently more modest: 1.8 goals scored and 0.7 conceded per match.
Previous Matches: Norway vs England
The British have a slight edge: three wins and two losses in eight head-to-head encounters.
The firepower of both teams is too strong for this match to be boring. Our prediction is “both teams to score” (odds – 1.74).
Norway vs England: Key Statistics and Trends
Norway have won four of their last five matches
90% of Norway’s games end with goals for both teams, with an average total of 3.5 goals per match
England have won six of their last seven matches
40% of England’s matches end with goals for both teams, averaging 2.5 goals per match
Norway vs England: Probable Starting Lineups
Norway is expected to line up in a 1-4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Nyland – Møller Wolfe, Heggem, Ajer, Ryerson – Berg, Berge, Ødegaard – Nusa, Haaland, Sørloth
England is set to play a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Pickford – O’Riley, Guehi, Konsa, Stones – Anderson, Rice – Gordon, Bellingham, Saka – Kane. Quansah was sent off in the previous match, Henderson picked up a silly injury.
