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Norway manager Stale Solbakken attends a press conference at Miami Stadium, ahead of Saturday's 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final soccer match against England. Martin Rickett/PA Wire/dpa
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken has backed Alexander Sørloth to come out of Erling Haaland's shadow in their first ever men's World Cup quarter-final against England.
The Atletico Madrid man has failed to find the net in North America while strike partner Haaland has bagged seven goals. But the coach says Sørloth still has a big role to play in Miami, in a clash otherwise billed as Haaland against England's Harry Kane.
"Sørloth has done a very good job for the team, he also helps Erling," he told a news conference on Friday ahead of the biggest game in Norwegian football history on Saturday.
"Sometimes he hasn't been all that good with the ball but his physical presence for the team has been good. He always wants to score a goal and it is not too late for that."
The South Florida heat could sap players' strengths in the open stadium but Solbakken is not making excuses.
"I think obviously intensity is a bigger part of the way football is going. Players are fitter and fitter," he said. "You have to take into consideration the weather here. It influences the pressing of all teams. These are two countries who have the same pre-conditions for pressing."
Norway are in their first men's World Cup since 1998 but England have lost two Euro finals in a row, so the coach is clear who has the most to lose.
"I think England has more pressure than us," he said.
"I think that (my) players are in a relaxed but competitive mood. I think it is a good balance."
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