England’s quarter-final match kicks off against a confident Norway team who come into this game, having beaten Australia on penalties in their last match. Having been knocked by England at the last world cup, Norway will be looking for revenge this time round.
With Norway ranked 12th in the FIFA rankings, this will be a tough test for England. England having won all four games so far and have only conceded one goal. Both teams are defensively very strong and should be a fascinating game. England have shown how to keep mentality strong, as they did in the last heated game against Cameroon. Norway have been beaten by France so far. I’m sure that England will have another narrow win against them.
A key player in this match for England will be Lucy Bronze and Steph Houghton (if she plays), who have formed a great defence partnership. The only doubt will be Steph Houghton fitness after that vicious tackle from Takounda in the last game. With Ellen White scoring at will, she should score again. Flashes of brilliance from Nikita Parris and Beth Mead will certainly put the Norwegian defence under pressure.
Norway’s form so far in this world cup has been good, only having lost to the hosts France. They just need to ensure that they don’t make mistakes at the back and keep their concentration for the full game. Having conceded three goals in the last twenty minutes, during the campaign.
Key Player for Norway is Isabell Herlovsen who is their main striker, who plays her football back home in Norway. Having scored two goals at this World Cup already, I believe she will be a real threat for England. If she can be contained by England’s defence, should take the sting out of Norway’s attack.
I believe that England will set up as a 4-4-3. Which seems to have been working so far. Norway will go for an attacking 4-4-2 system again. I predict a 2-1 scoreline for England to win.
