Norway hit by sickness bug days before World Cup clash with England

Norway’s preparations for their FIFA World Cup quarter-final against England have been disrupted by a sickness bug affecting members of the squad ahead of Saturday’s clash in Miami.

The Scandinavian side booked their place in the last eight with a surprise 2-1 victory over Brazil, inspired by a brace from Erling Haaland, but head coach Ståle Solbakken is now dealing with illness concerns and the effects of extensive travel during the tournament. According to Norwegian reports, forward Jørgen Strand Larsen missed Norway’s opening match due to illness, while defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was unavailable for the victory over Brazil after falling sick.

Solbakken revealed that several members of the travelling party have experienced mild symptoms. “We’ve really only had Jorgen who has had a fever. But then there’s been a bit of coughing and rasping, scattered throughout,” Solbakken said. “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.”

Norway’s World Cup campaign has involved significant travel, including flights between Boston, New Jersey, Dallas and New York, with another journey scheduled before their quarter-final in Miami.

Speaking about Pedersen’s condition, Solbakken suggested the defender’s illness may have been compounded by the physical and mental demands of the tournament. “I think, without being a doctor, that it’s a combination of the boy being young… his head is full, his body is full of impressions, and the system is collapsing a bit.” Despite the setback, Norway remain optimistic, with Pedersen potentially available for the match against England.

England are also managing injury concerns ahead of the quarter-final. Reece James continues to recover from a hamstring injury, while Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have been carefully managed throughout the tournament. The Three Lions have also lost experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson for the remainder of the competition after he suffered a serious arm injury during celebrations following England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16.

Henderson required hospital treatment after falling awkwardly while celebrating and is expected to undergo surgery, depriving England of one of their most experienced squad members as they continue their World Cup campaign.