- Recent form: Norway have won their last 2 matches in a row, bouncing back from their 4-1 defeat to France with wins over Ivory Coast and Brazil in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
- Recent results: England have won their last 3 games in a row, including a 3-2 win over Mexico and a 2-1 win over DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
Haaland vs Kane in a classic knockout clash
Odds and context
Northern (3.95) are the bigger price than England (2.0) when they meet in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium, with the draw available at 3.7, suggesting a close matchup in Miami. There are certainly some similarities between these teams in their recent form, with both coming into this on a roll, but there are also differences in the styles of play that could make this a fascinating matchup.
Coaches and tactics
Philippe Clement was appointed head coach of Norway on 18 November 2025 and he looks to have got off to a solid start with his squad. Norway's shape is direct and vertical, with full-backs often high and wide, feeding the ball quickly into the strikers to play on the counter. In this instance, that means they'll be giving Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth the ball in a way that can get them a half-chance to turn into a dagger.
Thomas Tuchel has been England's coach since 1 January 2025 and he has brought the Three Lions a 4-2-3-1 system that is structure-first and discipline-first. They want to control the half-spaces, work from a strong, balanced midfield base and get the full-backs and wingers to deliver wide crosses to Harry Kane in the penalty area. That should be enough to keep Norway honest, but it may also create a game where just one moment or piece of quality is the difference.
Kane and Haaland are the main finishers
With the game potentially set up to be decided by the quality of the finishers, it's worth noting that Haaland and Kane have been the most reliable for their respective sides in this World Cup to date.
Norway are also in decent form with 4 wins and 1 loss, but that came after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Les Bleus, so the puncher's chance may be in the Three Lions on the night.
- Haaland has 3 goals in 2 FIFA World Cup knockout-stage games and has scored 3 of Norway's 9 goals across their last 5, while Kane has 3 in 2 in the same stage and has 5 of England's 11 goals in their last 5.
- There is a little more edge to England's recent form, with 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 in all competitions suggesting momentum and control.
Tight game could be decided by the finishers
England's form, record, structure and squad quality means they are the likelier winner on Saturday, but Norway have Haaland and they'll get a couple of chances to make a difference, so I'm taking both teams to score - no at 1.98 and over 2.5 goals at 1.9 to add a little security to the main selection.
