Odegaard praises England & Arsenal star pre-World Cup clash | OneFootball

Martin Odegaard has heaped praise on Declan Rice ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final match against Norway on Saturday evening.

Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

With England set to face Norway in their World Cup quarter-final match on Saturday, Arsenal teammates will face off in international colours.

Arsenal and Norway captain Martin Odegaard will take on England’s Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, and Declan Rice, and ahead of the game he was asked for his assessment of Rice as a player.

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

“[Rice] is someone who always gives absolutely everything for the team,” Odegaard said. “Always fighting for every single ball, bringing his energy to the pitch, to the team, driving the team forward. He can do so many things on the pitch.

“He can defend, he can attack, he can be physical, he can be good on the ball, so he’s a very complete player. It’s going to be a good test for all of us, and not just about Declan, but the whole team is unbelievable players.

“It’s a massive test and we’re looking forward to it. Hopefully, we can make even more history.”

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

The good news for England, Norway, and neutral fans ahead of the game is that both Rice and Odegaard are expected to be available for it. Reports had indicated that both players were suffering with illness during the week, but they’ve shaken off whatever issues they had to take part.

Odegaard is also chasing down the ‘most assists’ award at this World Cup, racking up three so far.

Michael Olise of France leads the standings with five, but an assist and a win for Odegaard on Saturday would put him just one behind the leader with two games to play (a semi-final and either the final or a third-place play-off).

The same is true for Saka on the other side, with the England winger also on three assists. Only one can progress to the next round.

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images