Key Takeaways:
- Norway coach Stale Solbakken stated that England’s standout players Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham do not play in the Premier League
- Solbakken confirmed his entire Norwegian squad is fully fit ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against England
- Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard continue to provide leadership for Norway, with Haaland boasting seven goals so far
Premier League Presence Not a Decisive Factor, Says Solbakken
Norway manager Stale Solbakken has dismissed the notion that his side’s Premier League representation offers an edge against England, instead drawing attention to the fact that England’s most impactful players currently operate outside of the league. Despite Norway including notable Premier League talents such as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, Solbakken noted that England’s leading forward Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham play for Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) and Real Madrid (LaLiga) respectively.
Kane remains in contention for the World Cup Golden Boot, having netted six goals, while Bellingham has contributed four, including two in England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico during the last 16.
Solbakken on Ødegaard's role
🔹An all-phase midfielder.
🔹Never played him as a 10 for Norway.
🔹First defender, press leader
🔹Tone setter.
🔹Trigger player.
🔹Decides in-game tactics. When to play 4-1-4-1 and when to play 4-4-2, depending on gamestate.pic.twitter.com/aMMy1MCiev— 🇳🇴 kimmoFC (@kimmoFC) July 8, 2026
Squad Fitness and Preparation
Addressing media speculation earlier this week regarding player health, Solbakken clarified that all members of his squad are fit to compete. He explained that while there had been concerns over Martin Odegaard’s wellness, it was in fact Odegaard’s uncle and team physio Thomas who had been unwell, not the player himself. “So everything is fine, every player is fine. There’s no sickness among the players. There’s been one or two in the staff,” Solbakken said. This allays potential concerns as Norway approach their historic quarter-final following a landmark victory over Brazil.
Norway’s Momentum and Leadership Dynamics
Solbakken acknowledged that Norway’s progression to the quarter-finals for the first time, following their upset against Brazil, has bolstered team confidence but cautioned that each fixture presents a unique challenge. He noted that opponents undertake extensive analysis, leaving no room for complacency or secrets ahead of their battle with England.
Praising Haaland, Solbakken described him as “a great leader on and off the pitch”, noting his tally of seven tournament goals puts him just one behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. The coach also highlighted the long-standing connections within the squad, especially among players who have played together since their youth team days.
On Martin Odegaard’s captaincy, Solbakken suggested that the midfielder takes on additional responsibilities for his country compared to his club role at Arsenal, commenting on his slightly freer role in Norway’s tactical setup and his importance as a leader over the years.
