Norway head coach Stale Solbakken says his players genuinely believe they can knock England out of the World Cup after growing into the tournament ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final.
Norway are preparing for the biggest match in their history as they chase a first-ever place in the World Cup semi-finals. Solbakken has urged his players to focus on their football rather than the occasion when they take on Thomas Tuchel’s side.
“The most important thing for me is that we are ourselves with the ball and that we dare to play the game and not the whole environment,” Solbakken told reporters.
“I would like to see a Norway team that plays to their strengths and that we are ourselves.”
The Norway boss admitted his squad struggled with nerves during their opening group game against Iraq, with many of his players appearing at a World Cup for the first time.
“You saw a very nervous team in the first 20 minutes against Iraq where we didn’t manage to put two passes together,” he said.
“That had something to do with the occasion. It was 26 years since Norway’s last major tournament and no one had played in the World Cup before.”
Since then, Norway have found their rhythm, highlighted by a shock victory over Brazil in the last 16 that has boosted belief throughout the squad.
“The players deep down feel that they can beat England,” Solbakken said. “But we have to be at our very, very best. If we are not, England will go through.”
Solbakken knows his side face a difficult task against an England team packed with quality, including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
“They can score from many positions,” he said. “We need to compete in midfield and defend properly.”
With temperatures expected to soar in Miami, Norway have also altered their preparations. Solbakken revealed training sessions have been shorter and less intense to ensure his players remain fresh for kick-off.
“We have trained very lightly,” he said. “It’s all about being fresh tomorrow.”
The coach also praised his squad’s mentality, saying they have remained calm despite the significance of the occasion.
Asked what would be the key to eliminating England, Solbakken smiled before replying: “I will answer that if we beat them.”
