England's Best XI Against Norway: Expert Picks for World Cup Quarter-Final
England prepares for their World Cup quarter-final showdown with Norway in Miami this Saturday. The Three Lions face a serious challenge, especially from Erling Haaland. Thomas Tuchel must decide how to shape his starting eleven.
Reece James might be back to strengthen the right-back position, but questions remain about who should start. Dan Burn impressed off the bench last match; could he earn a starting role? Anthony Gordon’s place on the left wing also hangs in the balance.
Writer Picks for England's Starting XI
Kieran Jackson suggests sticking largely with the team that outplayed Mexico in the last 16, except for one forced change due to Jarrel Quansah’s red card suspension. Reece James is close to fitness but not ready to jump straight back in after his hamstring injury, particularly against Norway’s speedy attacker Antonio Nusa.
Jackson would pick Ezri Konsa at right-back over Djed Spence, as Spence struggled when starting previously but was more effective off the bench. Other than that, the lineup remains unchanged. Marcus Rashford didn’t feature against Mexico but will likely come on in the second half. Gordon keeps his place based on recent form and fitness.
Michael Jones favors a few tweaks following England’s tough defensive display versus Mexico. With Haaland looming, Jones wants John Stones paired with Dan Burn at centre-back. Stones offers experience playing alongside Haaland, while Burn’s height and strength help physically match the striker. To cover pace, Konsa moves right-back and Nico O’Reilly stays at left-back.
Jones keeps Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson controlling midfield with Jude Bellingham a guaranteed starter given his outstanding tournament performances. He swaps out Gordon for Rashford up front, reasoning Rashford’s tendency to cut inside and shoot forces Norway to defend deeper. Gordon’s heavy minutes in Mexico justify giving Rashford the nod this time.
Alan Smith emphasizes that if Reece James is fit, he must start, despite Spence’s decent performance from the bench. Smith doubts Konsa’s consistency throughout the tournament and leans towards John Stones partnering Marc Guehi at centre-back for their familiarity with Haaland. The rest of the side is straightforward: Bukayo Saka remains despite not being fully fit, with Gordon holding the opposite flank.
Will Castle believes the right-back issue is easing with James close to returning, but prefers not to risk him just yet. He would start Konsa over Spence at right-back, recalling Spence’s struggles there previously. Castle praises Dan Burn’s huge impact against Mexico and wants him paired with Marc Guehi rather than Stones, using Guehi’s City connection to understand Haaland better. For the attack, Castle argues Gordon deserves to keep his spot due to his knockout stage form, with Saka also staying despite fitness concerns. Noni Madueke would provide impact off the bench if needed.
Summary of Suggested Lineups
The consensus points toward a solid backline with some adjustments, especially involving Dan Burn and the right-back spot. The midfield trio of Rice, Anderson, and Bellingham looks set, while the forward line balances experience and form between Kane, Rashford, Gordon, and Saka.
Tuchel faces tough calls but the team that took down Mexico showed resilience and quality. England fans will be hoping those qualities shine again as they chase a semi-final berth against Norway’s dangerous squad.
