England's path to the World Cup semi-finals is blocked by Norway, with the two teams set to face off on Saturday in Miami. Norway has had to travel extensively, with their most recent game against Brazil taking place in New York. The team will be looking to overcome the challenges of traveling and illness to secure a spot in the next round.
Norway's squad has been affected by illness, with Jorgen Strand Larsen missing the opening game due to a fever. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen also missed the game against Brazil with a bug, and manager Solbakken was spotted coughing violently at a press conference. Despite these setbacks, Solbakken remains optimistic, citing the challenges of traveling and the close living quarters of the team as contributing factors to the illnesses.
England also has its own fitness concerns, with several key players struggling with injuries. Reece James has been ruled out of the last three matches with a hamstring strain, while Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have been nursed through the competition. Jordan Henderson will play no further part in the tournament, requiring surgery on a freak arm injury he suffered during celebrations after England's 3-2 victory over Mexico.
Henderson's injury occurred when he slipped while climbing over a barrier at the Azteca Stadium, causing his forearm to buckle. He was taken to hospital and did not travel with the rest of the team to their training base in Kansas City. The 36-year-old midfielder is a respected figure in the squad, providing leadership and experience, and his absence will be felt by the team.
Despite these challenges, both teams will be looking to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Norway will be hoping to have Pedersen available, while England will be relying on their remaining players to step up and fill the gaps left by their injured teammates. The match on Saturday is set to be a closely contested and intense encounter, with a place in the next round on the line.
