Haaland and Kane Headline Norway-England World Cup Quarter-Final in Miami

MIAMI, United States — Norway head coach Stale Solbakken believes the battle between Erling Haaland and Harry Kane will heavily influence the outcome of his team's World Cup quarter-final against England on Saturday.

Haaland has scored seven times across his opening four matches at a major tournament, carrying Norway into the last eight for the first time on their return to the World Cup after a 28-year gap.

Kane sits one goal behind the Manchester City forward in the tournament standings, having moved his World Cup career total to 14 as England advanced to a third straight quarter-final.

"I think it's Norway versus England but I don't think it is a secret that Kane is the match winner number one for England and Haaland is the match winner number one for us," Solbakken told reporters at his pre-match press conference in Miami.

England turned to Thomas Tuchel after the Football Association brought him in to push a gifted squad past the line, following a run of close defeats at major events under former manager Gareth Southgate.

Norway, meanwhile, are contesting their first major tournament in 26 years and have surpassed forecasts, including a remarkable 2-1 victory over Brazil in the round of 16, sealed by Haaland's late brace.

"Every game has been the most important [in history] for Norwegian football, especially in the knockout rounds, so this is the third time it is the most important game," Solbakken added.

"I feel the players are in a relaxed but competitive mood.

"I think England has more pressure than us, but we also put pressure on our performance. When the game has started I don't think the players think so much about the pressure when it's 11 versus 11."

Norway's run has captured attention at home and among supporters in the United States. The side's Viking clap celebration has emerged as one of the tournament's defining sights, while Haaland's profile as a worldwide figure has grown through his scoring form and outgoing manner away from the pitch.

"I think the whole of Norway is looking forward to tomorrow. We've had some great nights in this World Cup before, and it brings the country together," Solbakken said.

Conditions in south Florida may prove demanding, with intense heat and humidity expected around the 5:00 pm local kick-off.

Miami is under a heat advisory issued by the US National Weather Service, with "feels like" readings projected to climb above 40 degrees Celsius.

"We have trained very lightly; we haven't done much hard work. We are with the tactical sessions, but in a lower tempo, and not trained for long periods. So, it's all about being fresh tomorrow," Solbakken said. Norway have held sessions in Miami over the past three days.

Both nations, he noted, will need to adjust to the same environment.