The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and England faces a formidable challenge in the form of Norway and their star striker, Erling Haaland. As a football tactics correspondent, I've analyzed the key strategies and potential outcomes of this highly anticipated match. Here's my take on how England can navigate this tactical battle and emerge victorious.
The Haaland-Nyland Dilemma
Norway's success in this World Cup has been largely attributed to their versatile attacking style. Their build-up play is a delicate balance between holding onto the ball and launching quick counter-attacks. Orjan Nyland's excellent distribution from goal kicks sets the tone, often utilizing a wide back four and a keeper who forms a fifth option in attack. This creates an overload at the back, making it easier for them to progress up the pitch.
When short passes aren't an option, Nyland's get-out-of-jail-free card is Alexander Sorloth, who provides a physical presence on the right wing. England's left-back, Nico O'Reilly, will have to be vigilant against this tactic, as Sorloth's height and frame present a more even match-up than what Norway has faced so far.
Stopping Norway's Build-up Play
England has a few tactical options to counter Norway's varied build-up play. One approach is a man-to-man press across the pitch, aiming to reduce their numerical advantage. However, this leaves someone one-on-one with Haaland, which is a risky proposition. A more pragmatic approach might be to have a spare man at the back, leaving two defenders around Haaland.
The challenge lies in pressing Norway with two fewer players. England's options include pressing with one fewer player than Norway, which is tricky given that Norway's goalkeeper also participates in build-up play. Alternatively, dropping off and blocking space is an option, but it goes against Thomas Tuchel's front-footed approach and allows Norway to spend long periods on the ball, frustrating their opponents.
Dealing with Haaland
To stop Haaland, teams must either cut off his supply or deal with the man himself. When Norway has the ball high up the pitch, their attack relies on wide units and rotations, similar to England's tactics. Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup take turns on the left wing, often finding Haaland through long underlapping runs from the left-back, David Moller Wolfe.
These runs pull opposition midfielders deeper, creating space inside for the wingers to cut inside. Back-post runs are one of Haaland's most common scoring methods, so conceding these crosses is a significant concern. Marc Guehi, if he starts, should be aware of this tactic, as demonstrated in a 2024 match against Manchester City.
England's Path to Victory
England's strategy should focus on keeping the ball through sustained possession, aiming to pin Norway back before utilizing their own wide units. By holding their wide midfielder in line with their midfield, opposition full-backs making runs can create clever 2v1 situations against Norway's full-backs. This opens up cut-backs for late-arriving attackers, as Anthony Gordon has done for England in the past.
If Norway gains possession, England should quickly exploit the space behind the ball. Norway is susceptible to leaving fewer players behind when in possession, and England's pacey wingers, like Gordon and Noni Madueke, can exploit this by pushing the ball past their full-back to the byline, drawing Norway closer to their own goal.
Conclusion
In my opinion, England's success in this match hinges on their ability to adapt their tactics and exploit Norway's weaknesses. By understanding Norway's build-up play and Haaland's scoring methods, England can devise a strategy that neutralizes their threats. It's a delicate balance, but with the right adjustments, England can emerge as the winner in this highly anticipated World Cup encounter.
