Norway coach Stale Solbakken praised Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against England.
Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has played down suggestions that his side holds an advantage over England because of the number of Premier League players in his squad, insisting the Three Lions’ standout performers are actually starring in leagues outside England.
Ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final, Solbakken highlighted Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham as England’s two most influential players, despite Norway boasting Premier League stars such as Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.
“I don’t know if it’s favourable,” Solbakken told reporters. “Some of our players have obviously faced many of the England players before. But England’s two best players may not even be playing in the Premier League. They’re playing in Germany and Spain, so you can also look at it that way.”
🚨 Norway have been handed a major fitness boost ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against England. 🇳🇴🏴
After recent concerns over illness within the camp, team doctor Ola Sand has confirmed every player is fit and available for selection. ✅
Ståle Solbakken had revealed… pic.twitter.com/tqRhAvr0JU
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 8, 2026
Kane has enjoyed another prolific tournament, scoring six goals to remain in contention for the Golden Boot, while Bellingham has contributed four goals, including a crucial brace in England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16.
Norway arrive in the last eight full of confidence after producing one of the biggest shocks of the tournament by eliminating five-time world champions Brazil. However, Solbakken warned that his players cannot rely on that result alone as they prepare for another difficult challenge.
🚨 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐖𝐀𝐘 🇳🇴 𝐕𝐒 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 🏴 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑-𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐒 🍿 pic.twitter.com/NRIfmB189T
— 433 (@433) July 6, 2026
“I think it gave us more confidence, but every game has its own story,” the Norway manager said. “No team we’ve faced at this World Cup has underestimated us. Everyone studies their opponents carefully, and this match will be no different.”
Solbakken also delivered positive news regarding his squad’s fitness after concerns earlier in the week. He clarified that Martin Odegaard had not been the one feeling unwell, revealing instead that the Arsenal captain’s uncle, who works as part of the team’s medical staff, had been ill.
“There is no sickness among the players,” Solbakken confirmed. “Everything is fine, every player is available. We’ve had one or two members of staff under the weather, but all of the players are fit and ready.”
The Norwegian coach reserved special praise for his captain Odegaard and star striker Haaland, describing both as outstanding leaders who have helped transform the national team.
Solbakken noted that the pair have grown together through Norway’s youth ranks and now carry the responsibility of leading the country into its first World Cup quarter-final in decades, with Haaland chasing Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
