Norway coach Solbakken still pained by World Cup loss to England

Norway's national football team coach Ståle Solbakken admits the World Cup quarterfinal exit against England remains a painful memory, even a month later. He revealed that he and assistant coach Kent Bergersen only recently brought themselves to watch the match replay.

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It was painful. Not just painful because of the situations. But it was painful because we were so much better than England for a long period in the second half. It should have resulted in a goal.

"It was painful. Not just painful because of the situations. But it was painful because we were so much better than England for a long period in the second half. It should have resulted in a goal," Solbakken told VG. He referenced controversial moments, including a potential handball before England's equalizer and a disallowed Norwegian goal, as factors that went against them.

Despite the lingering disappointment, Solbakken and Bergersen were honored in their hometown of Grue. Solbakken highlighted Erling Braut Haaland's performance against Brazil as a World Cup highlight, contrasting it with the "low point" of the England defeat. Bergersen echoed the sentiment, stating, "I haven't seen the whole thing actually. I've only seen the highlights. It's painful."

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I haven't seen the whole thing actually. I've only seen the highlights. It's painful.

Looking ahead, Solbakken confirmed that changes will be made to the squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark, Portugal, and Wales in September and October. He emphasized the need for the team to live up to their status as an "A-nation" and face strong opponents to test their capabilities.

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We must put it behind us now. New matches are coming soon. We must live up to what we did in the World Cup.