England’s next World Cup opponents Norway hit by sickness bug

Erling Haaland and Norway stand between England and a place in the World Cup semi finals (Picture: Getty)

Norway’s preparations for their World Cup quarter-final against England have been disrupted by a sickness bug.

Erling Haaland’s brace in a 2-1 win over Brazil secured an unexpected spot in the last eight and with their prolific striker in red hot form, Norway are justifiably confident of causing another upset against the Three Lions.

After the high of defeating the five-times world champions, head coach Stole Stale Solbakken is growing increasingly concerned, however, by the amount of traveling his squad has been forced to contend with.

Norway’s World Cup adventure has already encompassed flying back and forth from Boston, while they have also played matches in New Jersey and Dalas.

Sunday’s victory against Brazil was staged in New York and Norway will have to notch up further air miles ahead of Saturday’s game against England which will take place in Miami.

According to Norwegian outlet Dagbladet, Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen missed the opening game of the tournament through illness, while Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was absent from the clash against Brazil with a bug.

Solbakken was also spotted coughing violently at a press conference after Norway’s 4-1 defeat to France in the group stage. 

‘We’ve really only had Jorgen who has had a fever,’ the manager said. ‘But then there’s been a bit of coughing and rasping evenly, scattered throughout. 

‘But there’s air conditioning, flights, changing rooms and all that. We’re over 50 people so it would be strange if one or the other didn’t come.’  

More to follow…

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