Solbakken Says England Carry More Pressure Before 34C World Cup Quarterfinal
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 10
Solbakken Says England Carry More Pressure Before 34C World Cup Quarterfinal
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 10
Summary
Ståle Solbakken said England, not Norway, will shoulder the heavier burden in Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal in Miami, framing pressure as pre-match noise rather than something players feel once kickoff arrives.
34C heat is expected to shape the game, and Solbakken said both teams will need long spells of possession because chasing the ball in those conditions would be draining.
Norway arrive with momentum after knockout wins over Ivory Coast and Brazil in their first World Cup since 1998, and have reached the final eight for the first time.
England come off a 3-2 win over Mexico but face fitness concerns around Marc Guéhi, Declan Rice and Reece James ahead of the last-eight clash.
Erling Haaland, with 7 tournament goals, and Harry Kane, with 6, remain the headline threats, though Solbakken insisted the match is bigger than a one-on-one duel.