Watch: UK Armed Forces cheer on England with 'Norway may row, England roars' message

As England braces for a blockbuster FIFA World Cup clash against Norway, the UK Ministry of Defence has shared a spirited video backing Thomas Tuchel’s side with a playful dig at the Norwegians’ famous Viking celebrations.Posted on X (formerly Twitter), the 50-second clip opens with the line, “Norway may row. But England roars,” a nod to Norway’s now-iconic Viking boat-row celebration led by striker Erling Haaland after major victories.The celebration sees players mimic rowing a Viking boat, with arms moving in unison, and has become a familiar sight after Norway’s big wins.The video features members of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force cheering on the Three Lions from locations around the world.Sailors aboard a warship, soldiers waving St George’s Cross flags and RAF personnel singing together all appear before the message concludes with: “Good luck tonight team, from our Armed Forces around the world!”The light-hearted post has quickly gained attention online, adding to the excitement surrounding England’s World Cup campaign.The show of support comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently hinted that England could be rewarded with an extra bank holiday if they go all the way and lift the World Cup.Asked about the possibility, Starmer said he did not want to “jinx it” and suggested the question be revisited if England reach the final.Reports suggest any additional holiday could fall on July 24, although England must first negotiate the quarter-final, a potential semi-final and the final.The England-Norway showdown follows dramatic Round of 16 victories for both teams.Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 to reach the men’s World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history, while England edged Mexico 3-2 to book their place in the last eight, setting up a blockbuster encounter.