Miami / 22:00 BST
England’s 3-2 victory against Mexico has arguably been the standout match of the competition to this point.
I truly admired the tenacity they displayed while a man down, with the substitutes making an impact, John Stones producing key blocks, Dan Burn heading every delivery clear, and Djed Spence executing some vital tackles.
This fixture presents a different challenge for Thomas Tuchel’s team, yet I anticipate it will be an equally tight affair.
Orjan Nyland delivered some outstanding stops to help Norway overcome Brazil, but having watched them frequently, I believe they are a strong unit.
Everyone is aware of the star power they possess in Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland, and following his dismantling of Brazil, I am confident Haaland will have a major influence on this match as well.
His movement for his opening goal against Brazil was simply exceptional. His duel with Gabriel was heavily discussed beforehand, but Haaland won that personal contest with ease.
Heading isn’t even considered his primary strength, yet he positioned himself outside Gabriel’s line of sight and, at the moment the cross was delivered, he read where it was going, leaving the defender completely stranded.
There are bound to be further goals in this contest, and it wouldn’t shock me if Haaland grabbed a couple of them.
England haven’t dictated matches in the manner many anticipated they would. At this World Cup, they have been a side reliant on key moments, producing flashes of brilliance at crucial junctures to progress.
Conversely, however, I cannot see Norway’s backline silencing Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
Should the match become expansive, England would welcome that without hesitation. I believe their attacking players have even more to offer, beginning with this clash.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-3
AI’s prediction: 1-2
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