England head into their World Cup quarter-final against Norway with confidence rising, but David James believes the key to reaching the semi-finals is clear: stop the supply to Erling Haaland and refuse to let Norway dictate the rhythm of the game.
Norway and Haaland stand in England’s way tonight (Picture: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
The former England goalkeeper says the dramatic win over Mexico at the Azteca gave Thomas Tuchel’s side exactly the kind of emotional lift a team needs in a major tournament. England had to show attacking quality, defensive discipline and mental strength in one of the most intense matches of their campaign so far. For James, that night proved the squad can handle pressure, but it should not be mistaken for the finished product.
James was especially interested in Tuchel’s reaction after the match. The England manager admitted he was not completely satisfied because the team had not played exactly as they had trained. Rather than seeing that as a negative, James believes it is a good sign. It suggests England still have another level to find if they are to go all the way.
Now the challenge changes. Norway arrive with huge momentum after knocking out Brazil and with Haaland in devastating form. The Manchester City striker has been one of the stars of the tournament, and England know one lapse in concentration could be punished ruthlessly.
Stopping Haaland starts before the ball reaches him
Norway and Haaland stand in England’s way tonight (Picture: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
James argues that England cannot focus only on Haaland himself. The real battle will be cutting off the service into him. Marc Guehi and John Stones know Haaland well from Premier League football, and Stones understands his Manchester City teammate’s movement better than most defenders in the world.
Haaland is not just a finisher for Norway. He helps set the tempo, waits for the right moments and thrives when his team are allowed to recycle possession until he finds space. England, according to James, must not allow that pattern to develop. They have to press intelligently, stop crosses early and disrupt Norway before Haaland can attack the penalty area.
Haaland in fearsome form (Picture: Mark Smith/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
The numbers underline the danger. Most of Haaland’s shots in this World Cup have come from inside the box, which is exactly where he is at his most lethal. He rarely needs many chances, and England’s defenders will know that forcing him away from goal is essential. If Norway cannot feed him close to goal, his threat becomes much easier to manage.
Pickford could be just as important
Pickford made vital saves against Mexico (Picture: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
James also believes Jordan Pickford’s performance against Mexico should give England major encouragement. The Everton goalkeeper was commanding in the air, brave with his decisions and reliable with his execution. That kind of authority can calm a defence when opponents try to create chaos with crosses and set-pieces.
Norway may look to test England physically, but if Pickford is dominant again, it could make them doubt their approach. At the other end, Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland was outstanding against Brazil, and James expects him to be busy again. England should create chances, and Nyland may need another exceptional display to keep Norway alive.
England still have options to change the game
Mainoo still to see a minute of action (Picture: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
James also pointed to England’s bench and the role it could still play. Kobbie Mainoo has yet to feature at the tournament, largely because the red card against Mexico changed the shape of that match. But the midfielder may still have a chance to make an impact if Tuchel needs fresh energy, control or composure in the middle of the pitch.
The changes against Mexico impressed James because every substitute seemed to understand the task immediately. Dan Burn was sent on to strengthen the defensive line and did exactly what was required. That clarity of roles could be crucial in the knockout rounds, where one substitution can change a match.
Declan Rice also earned praise for his midfield performance. James felt Rice looked sharper and more influential, but he also suggested England must manage their energy carefully as the tournament becomes more demanding.
A semi-final place is within reach
For England, this quarter-final is about proving that the Mexico win was not just a dramatic one-off. Tuchel’s team showed heart and resilience at the Azteca, but against Norway they will need control, structure and discipline from the first whistle.
The plan is simple in theory but difficult in practice: stop Norway’s rhythm, stop the crosses, stop Haaland. If England can do that while keeping their own attacking threat alive, the Viking Row celebration may be silenced and the Three Lions could march into the World Cup semi-finals.
James believes England are building at the right time. Their best performance cannot come too early. If the final is the dream, then each knockout match must take them closer to the version of the team Tuchel sees every day in training.
Now Haaland stands in the way. If England can shut him down, belief will surge again. If they cannot, Norway’s greatest World Cup story may continue at England’s expense.
