How do England stop Norway - and Haaland?
England faces a tactical challenge in the World Cup quarter-finals against a high-performing Norway team led by striker Erling Haaland. Analysts are examining Norway's varied build-up play and target-man tactics to determine how England can neutralize their offensive threats.
Why it matters
This analysis provides insight into the tactical evolution of international football and the specific strategies used to counter elite individual players.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Erling Haaland has scored seven goals so far at the World Cup
Football tactics correspondent Published 21 minutes ago Norway may have been touted by many as this World Cup's dark horse but their impressive progress still feels like they have exceeded expectations.
After finishing second above Senegal in Group B they knocked out Ivory Coast and Brazil, scoring 12 goals across five games, and now face England who are tasked with nullifying them and star striker Erling Haaland.
So, what do Norway do best and what might England boss Thomas Tuchel look to tweak in order to see his side through to the final four of the World Cup?
Norway boast attacking variety with Stale Solbakken's men fluctuating between wanting to hold onto the ball and being able to attack quickly.
This is all downstream from their build-up play.
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