Heat, humidity and Haaland: Why Norway can upset England in last eight

In Miami, it is set to “feel like” 45C on Saturday due to humidity that can rise to 80 per cent, which means it’s probably preferable to face a country partly based in the Arctic Circle.

Thomas Tuchel and his staff, however, would instantly caution against such thinking – not least because Norway are likely a better team than Brazil, writes Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney. Given how much the England manager has talked about “brotherhood”, Tuchel enthuses about the spirit in the Norwegian camp.

The win over Mexico illustrates how England are developing an emotional momentum of their own, with the post-game ritual of “Wonderwall” now forming their own version of Norway’s viking row.

This team now really believes. 

Miguel Delaney has also examined the unique nature of Erling Haaland, Norway's humble hero who England might not be able to stop. The England players have already noticed a shift in their own camp over the course of the week – the tactical emphasis before every game so far has been on ensuring Harry Kane can do as much damage as possible but now there's just as much focus on preventing Haaland form beating them. Such is his aura.

On the other half of the draw, Spain set up a tantalising all-European semi-final with France on Tuesday with another late victory, this time over Belgium, and another last-minute Mikel Merino winner. 

Kieran Jackson was in Los Angeles and writes that the cruel turn of the tide for Belgium came 20 minutes from the end when Thibaut Courtois, one of the world’s greatest goalkeepers, trudged off inconsolable after sustaining a thigh injury. A very capable No 2 in Man Utd’s Senne Lammens took his place but it was his error, his inability to hold on to Pau Cubarsi’s long-range effort, his incomprehensible spill of the football into Merino’s path, which will be the lasting image of their World Cup campaign.

But the European champions march on. It will now be Kylian Mbappe and the irresistible French attack in four days in the air-conditioned Dallas Stadium. Some match, that.

And finally, Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly has been looking at what's been going on with Argentina and why Lionel Messi can’t lead them to World Cup glory (on his own). The question surrounding the reigning world champions is no longer if Messi is too old, but if his supporting cast can provide enough support? 

Luke Baker | Deputy Sports Editor

Proton VPN

Watching the World Cup from abroad? Proton VPN keeps your streaming private and secure — no logs, no trackers. Enjoy 70% off 2-year plans or 50% off monthly, available for a limited time only.

Essential reading