As the World Cup 2026 heats up, all eyes are on the highly anticipated match between England and Norway. With Norway's impressive run so far, the question on everyone's mind is: how can England stop their momentum and, more specifically, their star striker Erling Haaland?
The Norwegian Challenge
Norway has defied expectations, emerging as a dark horse in this World Cup. Their success lies in their versatile attacking approach, switching between possession-based and counter-attacking styles. The key to their build-up play starts with their goalkeeper, Orjan Nyland, whose distribution is a game-changer.
Norway often sets up with a wide back four, creating an overload at the back, making it easier to progress up the pitch. When short passing options are limited, Nyland's long balls to Alexander Sorloth, positioned as a wide targetman, provide an escape route. This strategy will pose a challenge for England's left-back, Nico O'Reilly, but his height advantage might just be the equalizer.
Pressing Strategies: A Delicate Balance
When it comes to nullifying Norway's build-up, England has a few tactical options. A man-to-man press could reduce Norway's numerical advantage, but it leaves Haaland one-on-one with minimal defensive support. Most coaches would opt for a spare man at the back, but this approach has its drawbacks.
Dropping off and blocking space is another strategy, but it goes against England boss Thomas Tuchel's preferred front-footed approach. Additionally, Norway has shown the ability to slow the game down, rest, and defend on the ball, frustrating their opponents. Martin Odegaard's role in this strategy is crucial, as he drops deep to initiate short passes, making it difficult for opponents to close in.
England's Approach: Applying Pressure
England is likely to apply some pressure, aiming to force Norway into playing in a way they've prepared for. Brazil's tactics against Norway's build-up from Nyland provide a good blueprint. England could use a similar strategy, with one player curving their run to cut off one side of the pitch, forcing Nyland to his left. Wingers would be positioned to pressure Norway's full-backs, while central attackers could press the holding midfielder or free center back.
Dealing with Haaland: Supply or Man-Marking?
To stop Haaland, teams can either cut off his supply or mark the man himself. Norway's attack, when in possession high up the pitch, focuses on wide units and rotations, creating space for Haaland. Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup service Haaland well from the left wing, with long underlapping runs from left-back David Moller Wolfe opening up space.
Back-post runs and through balls on the left are two of Haaland's most common scoring methods, so conceding these crosses is risky. Marc Guehi, if starting, might recall a similar situation against Manchester City, where Matheus Nunes' cross led to a Haaland header. Crowding Haaland out is one of the few ways teams have managed to limit his influence, as evidenced by West Ham's 1-1 draw with Manchester City last season, where they used a three-man defense and a holding midfielder to man-mark Haaland.
England's Defensive Strategy: A Balancing Act
Tuchel's England has opted for similar attacking dynamics with Anthony Gordon and O'Reilly, which might require a more concerted defensive effort from Bellingham, dropping into a midfield five when England is in its defensive block. Preventing back-post crosses by doubling up in wide areas or using adept 1v1 defenders is a strategy, but it could leave the on-running full-back unmarked.
England's Offensive Plan: Possession and Wide Play
England will focus on keeping possession to pen Norway back and then utilize their own wide units. If the wide midfielder holds their position in line with the midfield, opposition full-backs can create 2v1 situations with their winger, exploiting space against Norway's full-backs. This strategy, similar to Norway's, can open up space for wingers to cut inside or create chances for themselves.
Norway's susceptibility to leaving fewer players behind the ball in possession provides England with an opportunity to counter-attack quickly when they win the ball back. Players like Gordon, Bellingham, Rice, and Madueke thrive in these situations, and England will look to exploit this weakness.
Conclusion: A Tactical Battle
The upcoming match between England and Norway promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams possessing unique strengths and weaknesses. England will need to find the right balance between applying pressure and maintaining their preferred front-footed approach. The key will be to force Norway into playing a style they've prepared for and to limit Haaland's influence without compromising their own attacking prowess. It's a delicate dance, and the outcome will shape the trajectory of their World Cup journey.
