As the anticipation builds for the World Cup 2026 quarter-final, early insights into England’s lineup have emerged from David Hytner.
Thomas Tuchel is set to utilize Ezri Konsa at right-back, given Reece James’s ongoing fitness struggles. John Stones is anticipated to step into central defense. Noni Madueke is likely to take the right wing position over Bukayo Saka, who is not yet at full fitness.
In a nod to the growing spectacle of football events, UEFA has pushed for a Super Bowl-like atmosphere during Champions League finals, and FIFA is now following suit. Tonight, Ellie Goulding, a devoted England supporter, is scheduled to perform a half-time show. The duration of her performance remains uncertain, but with hydration breaks factored in, fans might be in for a lengthy event. David Hytner humorously noted, “It’s a precursor to what will come at the final maybe,”
England boasts a formidable goalscorer in Harry Kane. The striker propelled the Three Lions past the group stages, netting two goals against Croatia and sealing the match against Panama. In the knockout rounds, he added a goal against DR Congo and another at the Azteca Stadium. England is demonstrating their capability as tournament specialists, consistently getting the job done, with hopes for another deep run.
Norway’s success thus far has heavily relied on the prolific Erling Haaland, who scored twice against Iraq and added another pair against Senegal. After a rest during a friendly against France, Haaland was instrumental in a late winner against Côte d’Ivoire and a standout performance that eliminated Brazil from the tournament. With Haaland’s current form, he poses a significant threat to any opponent.
To understand how both teams arrived at this stage, it’s essential to revisit their journeys. While little has changed in their core lineups, the narrative has evolved, including a lighthearted mention of Harry’s golf exploits.
David Hytner reports on the intense conditions within the stadium.
“Getting everyone ready for the idea.”
The current weather in Miami stands at 33C (91F) and is not expected to cool down by kick-off. With humidity taken into account, it could feel as high as 41C (106F). This raises questions about whether Norway, who recently played Brazil in similar heat, might have the edge. England’s most extreme conditions thus far consisted of a 25C outing against Panama. The outcome may hinge on the players’ experiences and stamina in these conditions.
Historically, England dominated their early encounters with Norway, winning their first five matches between 1937 and 1980 with a staggering scoreline of 24-2. This led to a memorable moment in September 1981 when Norway finally secured their first victory against the Three Lions, prompting commentator Bjørge Lillelien to deliver a passionate rant. For those unfamiliar with his famous outburst, seeking out Lars Sivertsen’s entertaining account of that event is highly recommended.
Since that historic match, the rivalry has tightened, with England managing two wins against Norway’s one, alongside three draws in their last six meetings. Norway’s victory in Oslo in 1993 remains etched in memory, marking a turning point for Graham Taylor’s tenure as England’s manager. The infamous outbursts from that campaign are still recalled with humor by fans.
With both teams featuring standout players like Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, and the presence of Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in midfield, the stage is set for an exciting showdown. Conditions in Miami promise to be challenging, but both sides are eager to advance further in the tournament. As the clock ticks towards kick-off at 5pm local time/10pm BST/7am AEST, anticipation is palpable. May the best team prevail!
