England’s biggest threat ahead of their 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Norway is undoubtedly Erling Haaland himself. The Manchester City striker has emerged as one of the biggest threats at this World Cup, scoring seven goals in four games and finishing just one behind Golden Boot leaders Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. However, former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes England’s biggest task may not be to stop Haaland himself, but to cut off the source of what makes him so deadly.Norway arrive at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium after a historic campaign to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1998 under Haaland. However, Friedel believes England’s tactical focus should also be elsewhere, with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard considered the player capable of deciding everything in Norway’s possession.
Friedel explains why England must keep an eye on Odegaard
Haaland’s performance throughout the game was outstanding. He scored twice in Norway’s first group game against Iraq, then against Senegal, twice against Ivory Coast and again in a memorable 2-1 win over Brazil in the last 16.Despite his impressive goal-scoring record, Friedl believes Norway’s center forward can’t overwhelm him simply by allocating extra defenders to him.“You can’t just stop Erling Haaland – who actually doesn’t get that many touches in a game – but limit the services to him,” Friedel said. told Sports Bible.“If you allow their wingers and full-backs to get into crossing positions, even the best defenders in the world will have a hard time stopping Haaland from leaping in front of his marker and receiving the ball.”
Norway’s Erling Haaland (9) shoots and scores the second goal during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Instead, the former Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper believes England’s midfield must completely prevent the ball from reaching dangerous areas.“You need to stop the ball coming to Haaland. Even then, Haaland can create opportunities out of nothing and he’s very good at that.”
Ødegaard remains Norway’s creative heartbeat
For Friedel, the player England should keep an eye on is Martin Odegaard.Although the Arsenal captain has yet to score at the 2026 World Cup, his impact is huge. Odegaard, who primarily operates as an attacking midfielder and deep-lying playmaker, has provided three assists in Norway’s four games while controlling the tempo of nearly every attack.
Norway’s Martin Oedegaard (10) reacts after fighting for the ball against Brazil’s Neymar (10) during a World Cup round of 16 soccer match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
In the last-16 tie against Brazil, he completed all but one of his 53 passes in the first half, underscoring his ability to dominate possession and advance Norway through the midfield.“Martin Odegaard is the player who touches the ball the most in the Norwegian team, so you have to limit Odegaard’s involvement,” Friedl explained.“But they’re not one-dimensional – they’ve got Antonio Nousa, Oscar Bobb… a lot of threats.”Haaland’s partnership with Odegaard has become a defining feature of Norway’s resurgence. The pair are fierce rivals in the Premier League with Manchester City and Arsenal, and have become one of the most effective attacking duos in international football when representing their countries.Haaland provides finishing ability, while Odegaard provides vision, passing and creativity, allowing Norway to consistently create high-quality chances.Norway head coach Stoll Solbakken recently described his captain as indispensable.“He’s invaluable in our team,” Solbakken said.“He has never been a No. 10 in Norway. He has always been a player on both sides of the ball, influential in all phases.”“He always works the hardest, covering the ground and sprinting. He’s the trigger. He decides whether we play a 4-1-4-1 defense or a 4-4-2.”
England also has its own midfield magic weapon
While Norway’s hopes rest heavily on the link-up of Haaland and Odegaard, England will once again look to Jude Bellingham to control proceedings.Friedel believes the Real Madrid midfielder has developed into one of the elite players in world football and compares different aspects of his game to some of the greatest midfielders of the modern era.
England’s Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring his second goal during the World Cup round of 16 match between Mexico and England on Sunday, July 5, 2026 in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
“Jude Bellingham is one of the best players I have ever seen. His movements remind me of Zidane. Bellingham’s skills in tight areas are also very good.”“Jude has the ability to play in the No. 8 and No. 10 positions, he can drop deep, he can tackle, he has excellent aerial ability in both penalty areas and he can make decisive defensive clearances if needed.”“He covers so much of the pitch – so I can compare him to Steve Gerrard.”“We’ll see how Bellingham’s career develops but he’s on the same trajectory as the likes of Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes or Gerrard to lift trophies.”As England prepare for one of the toughest tests of the World Cup, Friedel’s message is simple. Haaland’s goal may grab the headlines, but if Thomas Tuchel’s side can deny Odegaard the time and space to orchestrate Norway’s attack, they may have found the most effective formula to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
