Norway XI vs England: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

Sickness bug has rampaged through camp ahead of quarter-final tie

Norway are expected to have nearly the full complement of players fit and available as they face England in the World Cup quarter-finals despite the camp being ravaged by an illness bug this week.

Norway have been among the surprise packages of this World Cup, their first since 1998. They won two of their three group stage games and impressed in beating Ivory Coast in the last-32 before stunning Brazil in their subsequent match.

England are the latest team to come up on their war path, and despite probably enduring some sleepless nights this week, Stale Solbakken is thought to have a fully fit squad.

It was reported this week that some members of the squad had come down with illness due to their intense tournament schedule, and Solbakken later said: "We've had a few players who haven't been feeling well, but things are getting better. It's not ideal during a tournament, but we're managing the issue."

Fully fit: Norway have overcome a sickness bug ahead of facing England

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But team doctor Ola Sand is adamant the situation is in hand, saying: "All players are healthy now. Very little fuss considering that we have been close together for almost six weeks. We are in control.”

As such, few surprises are expected in the team to face England. Erling Haaland has enjoyed a superb campaign and scored both goals in the defeat of Brazil, and will surely start again here.

There may be changes to the wingers flanking him, though. Alexander Sorloth has been impressive this summer, but Antonio Nusa struggled to impose himself on the Selecao last time out. He was replaced by Andreas Schjelderup, who assisted both of Haaland’s goals, and may well take his starting place in Miami.

There might be changes in defence, too, where David Moller Wolfe has been unconvincing of late and could cede his starting place to Leo Ostigaard. This is particularly likely after he appeared to pick up a knock against Brazil.

Elsewhere, few surprises are expected. A midfield three of Sander Berge, Patrick Berg and Martin Odegaard will have its work cut out against a formidable England setup, while goalkeeper Orjan Nyland will likely be kept busy between the sticks.