Norway camp hit with sickness bug ahead of England clash

Norway are dealing with an unwanted setback ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against England.

According to the Standard, several players have been affected by a sickness bug ahead of Saturday’s mouth-watering encounter in Miami.

Despite the illness spreading through the squad in recent days, manager Stale Solbakken believes the situation is improving as his team prepares for their last-eight clash with England.

Several players have experienced flu-like symptoms since the start of the competition. 

Among those affected were striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who missed Norway’s opening match, and defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, who was unavailable for the team’s round-of-16 victory over Brazil.

Solbakken also seemed unwell during media duties over the past couple of days, although he has dismissed concerns that it could be a serious issue.

He admitted the timing is far from ideal but said the squad is coping with the situation.

“We’ve had a few players who haven’t been feeling well, but things are getting better,” he said. “It’s not ideal during a tournament, but we’re managing the situation.”

The Norwegian believes the demanding schedule and travel between host cities may have played a role in players’ illness.

But that hasn’t stopped Norway from turning heads with their performances at the World Cup.

Led by Erling Braut Haaland, Norway have steamrolled into the World Cup quarter-final, clinically dispatching Brazil to extend their historic campaign.

The Manchester City striker scored a phenomenal brace against Brazil, taking his tally to seven goals and placing him in the running for the Golden Boot alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe (eight each).

England will also enter the match with selection problems of their own. 

Thomas Tuchel’s side earned their place in the last eight after a nerve-racking 3-2 win over Mexico, but it came at the cost of losing defender Jarell Quansah to suspension following his red card in that match.

The Three Lions will also be without experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson due to a broken wrist, although Reece James could be available after shaking off a hamstring problem.