England’s biggest threat ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway is undoubtedly Erling Haaland himself. The Manchester City striker has been one of the biggest threats in the competition, scoring seven goals in four games and finishing one goal behind Golden Boot leaders Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. However, the former Premier League player, Brad Friedel, believes that the main task in England may not be to stop Haaland, but to close the source that has caused him to die so much.Norway arrived at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami after an impressive campaign, reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup since 1998 with Haaland in charge. However, Friedel says England’s expertise must lie elsewhere, with Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard regarded as a player capable of commanding anything Norway has.
Friedel explains why England should focus on Ødegaard
Haaland’s stats have been impressive throughout the competition. He scored twice against Iraq in Norway’s opening group game, followed that up with another goal against Senegal, added one against Ivory Coast and struck twice in a memorable 2-1 Round of 16 loss against Brazil.Despite this impressive record, Friedel believes the Norwegian midfielder will not be compromised by providing him with extra defenders.“You can’t just stop Erling Haaland – he’s not very involved in the game – it’s less work for him,” Friedel. he told SPORTbible.“If you allow their wings and defenders to cross, even the best defenders in the world will have a hard time stopping Haaland from jumping and getting to the ball in front of his goal.”
Norway’s Erling Haaland (9) shoots and scores his second goal during the World Cup soccer match in the round of 16 between Brazil and Norway in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Instead, the former Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder believes the England midfielder needs to keep the ball out of dangerous areas.“You have to stop the ball to get to Haaland. Even then, Haaland can create chances without anything, he is the best.”
Ødegaard is still the heartbeat of Norway
For Friedel, the England player he should be most worried about is Martin Ødegaard.Although the Arsenal captain did not feature in the 2026 World Cup, his influence has been huge. Ødegaard operates as both a midfielder and a winger, Ødegaard has registered three assists in four games for Norway as he dominates every attacking moment.
Norway’s Martin Oedegaard (10) tackles Brazil’s Neymar (10) during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Norway in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Against Brazil in the Round of 16, he finished all but one of his 53 shots in the first half, proving his ability to dominate Norway and advance to the middle.“Martin Ødegaard is the most affected player in the Norwegian team, so you have to limit Ødegaard’s participation,” said Friedel.“But they are not on the same side – they have Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb… many threats.”The Haaland-Ødegaard partnership has been an important part of Norway’s resurgence. Fierce Premier League champions Manchester City and Arsenal, the pair have turned into one of the world’s most attacking players representing their country.While Haaland provides the finishing touch, Ødegaard provides the vision, ball progression and skill that allows Norway to consistently create superior opportunities.Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken recently described his captaincy as important.“In our group, he is very important,” Solbakken said.“He has never been a number 10 with Norway. He has always been a two-way player, with strength in all areas.”“He is always working very hard, covering the floor and running. He is the initiator. And he decides if we are playing 4-1-4-1 in defense, or if we are playing 4-4-2.”
England also have their charm in the middle
While Norway’s hopes depend heavily on the Haaland-Ødegaard connection, England will also look to Jude Bellingham to manage the situation.Friedel believes the Real Madrid midfielder has already become one of the best players in the world, comparing various aspects of his game to some of today’s greatest players.
England’s Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates with his teammates after scoring his second goal during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Mexico and England in Mexico City, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
“Jude Bellingham is right up there among the best I’ve ever seen. In his style, he reminds me of Zinedine Zidane. Bellingham is very good technically in tight spaces.”“Jude has the ability to play No. 8 and No. 10, he tracks at the back, he can tackle, he’s good in space in both boxes and he can make defensive passes if needed.”“He covers a lot of pitch – in that way I would compare him to Steve Gerrard.”“Let’s see how Bellingham’s career goes, but he is on his way to lifting as many trophies as Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes or Gerrard.”As England prepare for their toughest test of the tournament, Friedel’s message is straightforward. Haaland’s goals may have grabbed the headlines, but if Thomas Tuchel’s side can deny Ødegaard the time and space to prepare for Norway’s attack, they may already have found a more effective way to reach the World Cup finals.