England must stop Haaland but Norway has other threats, says O'Reilly

England midfielder Nico O’Reilly recognizes the significant advantage of stopping Norway's star striker Erling Haaland, but cautioned that the Norwegian team possesses numerous quality players capable of posing a threat.

Haaland is currently in peak form, having scored seven goals to propel Norway to their first-ever World Cup quarter-final. The upcoming match in Miami is anticipated to feature several reunions between club teammates. Haaland could face England's O’Reilly and defender Marc Guehi, while Arsenal's Martin Odegaard is expected to play against club colleagues Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

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They have great players in every position who can create danger. They have proven it in this tournament by reaching the quarter-finals and making history for their country. But if we can stop Haaland, it will definitely be a huge factor.

Norway advanced to the quarter-finals after a dramatic victory over co-hosts Mexico, despite playing with 10 men following Jarell Quansah's red card. O’Reilly stated that while Haaland is Norway's main player, the team has talented individuals in every position who can create danger. "They have proven it in this tournament by reaching the quarter-finals and making history for their country. But if we can stop Haaland, it will definitely be a huge factor," he told reporters.

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It's not an ideal situation, but we have great players here. As you saw in the previous match, the substitutes who came into defense performed solidly even when we were down to 10 men. So it's not a major problem.

Manchester City left-back O’Reilly also dismissed concerns about England's defense, which has been affected by injuries and Quansah's two-match suspension. "It's not an ideal situation, but we have great players here. As you saw in the previous match, the substitutes who came into defense performed solidly even when we were down to 10 men. So it's not a major problem," he said.

Meanwhile, Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka highlighted England's unique threat, with almost all players capable of scoring or creating chances, despite Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham contributing 10 of the team's 11 goals. Saka acknowledged England's experience in major tournaments as an advantage but emphasized their ultimate goal: winning the World Cup. "That is our goal. But for now, we are just focused on the next match because we know there are still three games to go to achieve that goal. Our focus now is on Norway, and after that, we will think about the semi-finals," he said. England has long been a contender in international tournaments but is still seeking its first major title since winning the 1966 World Cup on home soil. Saka stated that the Three Lions squad has moved past their dramatic win over Mexico and is ready to face Norway.

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That is our goal. But for now, we are just focused on the next match because we know there are still three games to go to achieve that goal. Our focus now is on Norway, and after that, we will think about the semi-finals.