Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken said his team can defeat England if they play at their best during their World Cup match.
The statement sets a confident tone for Norway as they face one of the tournament favorites in a critical group-stage encounter. A victory would significantly alter the standings, and the team's path toward the knockout rounds.
Solbakken said to the media during a pre-game press conference to discuss tactics and expectations [1]. The match between Norway and England is scheduled for July 11, 2026 [1].
During the session, Solbakken focused on the potential of his squad to overcome the English side. "We can beat England if we are at our best," Solbakken said [2].
The coach used the briefing to prepare his players and the public for the high-stakes environment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While England enters the match with a strong international reputation, Solbakken said that Norway's success depends on executing their game plan with precision.
Norway's approach will likely center on maintaining discipline and capitalizing on opportunities against the English defense. The match represents a pivotal moment for Solbakken's tenure as the leader of the national team — a role that requires balancing tactical rigidity with the belief that an upset is possible.
“"We can beat England if we are at our best."”
This public display of confidence serves as a psychological tool to motivate the Norwegian squad while framing the match as a winnable contest rather than an insurmountable challenge. By emphasizing that the outcome depends on their own performance—'at our best'—Solbakken shifts the focus from England's perceived superiority to Norway's internal execution.
