England face arguably their toughest test of the World Cup when they take on Norway in the quarter-finals, but former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes the Three Lions should focus on one player—not Erling Haaland.
Haaland has been one of the standout performers at the tournament, scoring seven goals in four matches, including a brace in Norway’s last-16 victory over Brazil. His clinical finishing has helped fire Norway into the last eight for the first time since 1998.
But according to Friedel, England’s best chance of containing the Manchester City striker is by cutting off the supply rather than trying to stop him directly.
Stop the Service, Not Haaland
Speaking ahead of the quarter-final, Friedel explained that Haaland’s threat comes from the quality of chances created around him.
“You can’t just stop Erling Haaland – he doesn’t actually get that many touches in a game – it’s about limiting the service to him.”
The former Liverpool and Blackburn goalkeeper believes England must prevent Norway’s wide players from delivering crosses into the box.
“If you allow their wingers and full-backs to get into crossing positions, even the best defenders in the world will have a hard time stopping Haaland jumping and getting to the ball in front of his marker.”
He added:
“You need to stop the ball arriving to Haaland. Even then, Haaland can create a chance from nothing because he’s so good.”
Why Martin Ødegaard Holds the Key
Rather than focusing all of England’s attention on Haaland, Friedel believes Martin Ødegaard is the player Thomas Tuchel’s side must keep quiet.
The Arsenal captain has been Norway’s creative heartbeat throughout the tournament, dictating play from midfield and linking brilliantly with Haaland.
“Martin Odegaard is the player in the Norway team that gets the most touches, so you have to limit Odegaard’s involvement.”
Friedel also warned that Norway are far from a one-man team.
“They are not one dimensional – they have Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb… a lot of threats.”
Solbakken’s Praise for His Captain
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken also highlighted just how important Ødegaard has become to his side.
He described the midfielder as “invaluable” and praised his work both in and out of possession.
“He’s never been a number 10 with Norway. He’s always been a two-way player, being influential in all phases.”
Solbakken added that Ødegaard’s work rate and tactical intelligence make him the player who dictates Norway’s shape throughout a match.
Bellingham Ready for Another Big Occasion
England will also rely heavily on Jude Bellingham, who has been one of their standout performers during the tournament.
Friedel compared the Real Madrid star to some of football’s greatest midfielders.
“In his movements, he reminds me of Zinedine Zidane.”
He continued:
“Jude has the capability of playing as a No.8 and a No.10. He tracks back, wins tackles, is good in both penalty areas and covers so much ground.”
Friedel even suggested Bellingham is on course to enjoy a career comparable to Premier League legends Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes.
A Quarter-Final to Remember
England know stopping Haaland completely may be impossible.
Instead, the key could lie in denying Ødegaard time and space to dictate play while preventing Norway from supplying dangerous crosses into the penalty area.
If the Three Lions can disrupt Norway’s creative engine, they will give themselves the best possible chance of booking a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
The Bottom Line
Erling Haaland has been almost unstoppable at this World Cup, but Brad Friedel believes England’s biggest tactical battle is actually against Martin Ødegaard. Cut off the service, control midfield, and England could take a huge step towards the last four.
