How should England line-up against Norway? Our writers pick their XIs for World Cup quarter-final
It’ll be another tricky selection for Thomas Tuchel and his staff as the England manager considers how best to combat Erling Haaland. Our writers have gathered to try and give him a helping hand with their suggested XIs – though Marc Guehi’s potential absence could change things…
Kieran Jackson: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon, Kane
Michael Jones: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Burn, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
Alan Smith: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Will Castle: Pickford; Konsa, Guehi, Burn, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Will Castle11 July 2026 11:50
Norway fans take over Miami
(PA)
(Reuters)
(Reuters)
Will Castle11 July 2026 11:40
Erling Haaland puts pressure on England ahead of quarter-final
Norway striker Erling Haaland has told the media they “should put every single pressure on the English lads” ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final with England.
Haaland has spearheaded Norway’s first run to the last eight of the global tournament, scoring seven goals in five appearances as he has proved himself on the biggest stage.
The Manchester City striker, who was born in Leeds, will come up against some familiar faces in what he calls a “special game”, but he was keen to put all the pressure on Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Asked how he rated Norway’s chances of winning the World Cup, Haaland told reporters in Miami: “Still really low.
“I think there’s some clear favourites out there, England’s one of them. I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads.”
Will Castle11 July 2026 11:30
Miguel Delaney answers your questions on Fifa’s crisis – from Infantino’s grip on power to a possible Uefa breakaway
Ahead of a huge weekend, our chief football writer Miguel Delaney answers readers’ questions on the Balogun row, ticket pricing, the Blatter comparison, and whether this World Cup could be the breaking point Fifa can’t recover from:
Will Castle11 July 2026 11:20
Will England get a Bank Holiday if team wins the World Cup?
It is understood that Friday 24 July has been earmarked for a celebratory bank holiday if England wins the tournament 60 years after its first and only World Cup victory.
The prime minister appeared reticent to confirm a bank holiday when asked about the potential celebration at the Nato summit in Ankara, but he hinted it was on the cards.
Bryony Gooch11 July 2026 11:10
WATCH: England fans in Miami react to Quansah’s suspensionEngland fans in Miami react to Quansah’s suspension
Will Castle11 July 2026 11:00
This World Cup has been notable for its bizarre and extreme weather disruptions, and tonight’s clash with Norway will not be exempt.
A Saharan dust storm has hit Miami, giving the city hazy skies, vivid sunsets and a temporary dip in air quality. This can aggravate conditions such as asthma – something England striker Ollie Watkins lives with.
Forecasts suggest this particular plume should begin thinning over the region in the next several days as winds shift – meaning it will likely remain present over the Hard Rock Stadium later.
(Getty)
Will Castle11 July 2026 10:50
Golden boot race: Can Kane and Haaland keep up?
One of Harry Kane or Erling Haaland will likely seen their golden boot hopes end with their country’s elimination tonight, with both needing to keep banging in the goals to keep up with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Here’s how the standings look going into tonight’s match:
1. Kylian Mbappe (France), 8 goals, (3 assists)
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 8 goals (1 assist)
3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 7 goals (0 assists)
4. Harry Kane (England), 6 goals (1 assist)
5. Ousmane Dembele (France), 5 goals (2 assists)
(Getty)
Will Castle11 July 2026 10:40
The final before the final? Spain book World Cup meeting with FranceSpain set up France semi-final with last-gasp Belgium win in Los Angeles – report
Kieran Jackson in Los Angeles11 July 2026 10:30
Why was Jarell Quansah banned for two World Cup matches by Fifa?
Quansah was sent off after VAR review following a reckless sliding challenge which saw his studs go into the shin of Jesus Gallardo.
However, England have now discovered that Quansah’s suspension has been doubled to two matches instead of one after Fifa found him in breach of Article 14 of their code of conduct, which states a player would get a two-game ban for serious foul play.
Will Castle11 July 2026 10:20