Norway vs England Preview: Both Sides Battling Sickness Ahead Of Quarter Final Clash

Last time out at the Azteca, the Three Lions were able to produce one of the greatest displays since 1966, managing to overcome a raucous Mexico side in their own backyard, all while having to do so with ten men for the majority of the second half.

Jude Bellingham proved to be ever reliable, with the Real Madrid midfielder producing a rapid-fire brace, which was then later topped off by a cool finish from the penalty spot by Harry Kane, which ultimately gave England enough to cling on to march on to the quarter-finals.

However, they will be set to face a new threat, as Thomas Tuchel's men prepare to face Norway side fresh off the back of a historic victory for the Scandinavian country, after shocking Brazil to reach the quarter-finals for the first time ever.

With England's defence now being tasked with keeping Erling Haaland at bay for 90 minutes, there will be no room for error if the Three Lions wish to be competing for a spot in the World Cup final on Wednesday night.

Sickness Strikes Both Camps

In this week's build-up to Saturday night's clash in Miami, there have been many stories of a reported sickness bug in the Norwegian camp, with several players said to have been suffering from flu-like symptoms.

Although several players are said to have felt some effect, the situation is improving according to manager Ståle Solbakken, who has said, "We've had a few players who haven't been feeling well, but things are getting better."

However, according to reports, England have now begun to experience their own sickness bug in their training camp, with midfielder Declan Rice being forced to isolate from recent training sessions and even on the flight over to help prevent any further outbreak.

It appears the Three Lions' effort to contain the spread of the bug has been a success so far, with there yet to be any further reports of any other cases of illness inside the camp, and Declan Rice now beginning to take part in group training sessions once again.

Team News

England are now set to be without defender Jarrel Quansah for two games now after FIFA confirmed an extended two-match ban following his dismissal against Mexico, which manager Thomas Tuchel has expressed his frustration with.

Regarding other absences, it has now been confirmed that Jordan Henderson's tournament has come to an end after snapping his wrist during England's post-match celebrations, with Reece James now also facing a battle against time to see if he will be available for selection once again following a two-match absence due to a hamstring injury.

Despite recent reports, Marc Guehi was seen training in England's camp in Miami, following talk of a potential hamstring issue, whilst Declan Rice also took part after spending the last couple of days in isolation recovering from a sick bug.

Norway are currently without any injuries and will have a fully fit squad to pick from, with manager Ståle Solbakken set to have a managerial headache of who to opt with and drop out of the Norway XI.

Prediction: Norway 1-2 England 

With Erling Haaland coming into this game off the back of a historic brace against Brazil to bring his tournament tally up to seven, it would not be a shock to see the Manchester City striker find himself on the scoresheet come Saturday night.

However, with England also possessing an elite number nine of their own in Harry Kane, as well as the likes of Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, and Bukayo Saka to name a few, England may just end up being too much for Norway, with the Three Lions now more full of belief than ever that this tournament is there to be won following their iconic display in the Azteca.