**Title: Norway Coach Stale Solbakken Highlights England's Star Players Outside Premier League Ahead of World Cup Quarter-Final**
In a pre-match press conference ahead of Norway's World Cup quarter-final against England, coach Stale Solbakken made headlines by downplaying the perceived advantage of having Premier League players in his squad. While Norway features notable talents like Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, Solbakken pointed out that England's top performers are not based in the Premier League.
Solbakken noted that England's leading goal scorers, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, play in foreign leagues, specifically LaLiga and the Bundesliga. Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich, is currently in contention for the World Cup Golden Boot, having scored six goals in the tournament. Meanwhile, Bellingham has contributed four goals, including two crucial strikes in England's thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16.
“I don’t know if it’s favourable. Some of the players have obviously played against many of the English players,” Solbakken remarked. “The two best English players may not be playing in the Premier League. They’re playing in Spain and Germany, so you can also take it that way.”
Norway's recent success in the tournament, particularly their surprising victory over Brazil in the Round of 16, has instilled a sense of confidence in the team. However, Solbakken urged caution, emphasizing that each match presents its own unique challenges. “I think it gave us more confidence, but I think that every game lives its own life,” he stated. “I don’t think that any other team we have met so far in this World Cup has underestimated us. Every team does their analysis, a lot of analysis, so there are no secrets. That goes for this game as well.”
Addressing concerns about player health, Solbakken confirmed that all players are fit and ready to compete. Earlier in the week, there were reports of some players feeling unwell, but he clarified that it was only a member of the coaching staff who was affected. “It’s right that Ødegaard was sick. It’s his uncle (Thomas) who is a physio, he is sick. It’s not Martin,” he explained. “So everything is fine, every player is fine. There’s no sickness among the players. There’s been one or two in the staff.”
Haaland's leadership qualities were also highlighted by Solbakken, who described the striker as “a great leader on and off the pitch.” With seven goals in the tournament, Haaland is also vying for the Golden Boot, just one goal behind Argentina's Lionel Messi. Solbakken praised the camaraderie within the team, noting that many players have grown up together in youth squads. “He’s one of the boys. He has been together with these boys from under-16, 17 and 18,” the coach said. “Many of them have been together their whole life, so they’re really enjoying this journey as well.”
On Ødegaard's role as captain, Solbakken suggested that the Arsenal midfielder carries more responsibility with the national team compared to his club. “He perhaps has a little bit more free role in our team,” he explained. “Maybe when he plays with Arsenal, he has equal players with the same experience with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. They can share it a little bit. Obviously, we maybe put a little bit more on his shoulders.”
As Norway prepares to face England, the team's morale appears high, bolstered by their recent performances and the leadership of key players like Haaland and Ødegaard. The upcoming match promises to be a significant test for both teams, as Norway aims to continue their impressive run in the tournament while England seeks to assert their dominance.