West Brom, Wolves and Villa links power Norway’s historic run and England date | OneFootball

Norway, led by former Wolves manager Stale Solbakken, made history by progressing beyond the last 16, setting up a Saturday quarter-final against Thomas Tuchel’s England in Miami.

In New Jersey on Sunday, talisman Erling Haaland struck twice late to sink Brazil. ExpressAndStar.com notes that many had expected England’s ‘likely route’ to involve Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil, so Norway are surprise opponents.

Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, 35, saved Bruno Guimaraes’ penalty and was outstanding. The former Aston Villa man made 35 appearances across two years at Villa Park, then joined Sevilla in 2023 where he has played regularly. The 70-cap keeper was lauded by Haaland, who preferred to highlight Nyland’s decisive saves, including the spot-kick, as the moments that kept Norway alive.

Centre-back Torbjorn Heggem joined West Brom from IF Brommapojkarna in 2024 for around £500,000, then moved to Bologna for £10 million a year later. Calm and capable at left-back, he was a standout at The Hawthorns. He made 38 appearances last season, 23 in Serie A, and won his 19th cap against Brazil.

Wolves left-back David Moller Wolfe played 26 times in his debut campaign, with 11 Premier League starts in a relegation season. The £10 million signing, 24, began in the side but lost his place to Hugo Bueno, though he impressed from the bench and in cups. For Norway he earned a 26th cap on Sunday and remains Solbakken’s first choice on the left alongside Heggem as they try to blunt England.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com