Norway tightens training security for World Cup quarterfinal against England

Norway is taking extraordinary security measures to keep their tactical plans secret ahead of their World Cup quarterfinal clash with England. Coach Ståle Solbakken has restricted media access to the first 15 minutes of training sessions at Inter Miami Stadium, employing tactics to prevent any espionage of their strategies.

The Norwegian camp has erected large black netting along the media's path to the training pitch and covered the windows of the press conference room facing the practice area with thick black curtains. These steps aim to prevent any "Spygate"-like incidents before the crucial match against Thomas Tuchel's England squad.

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Things like this are normal when temperatures change. It's not a big problem, and everyone is expected to be in top condition by Saturday.

Amidst these security concerns, Solbakken also moved to quell worries about player fitness. He confirmed that all 26 players participated in training, contradicting earlier reports of a flu outbreak. "Things like this are normal when temperatures change. It's not a big problem, and everyone is expected to be in top condition by Saturday," stated team captain Martin Odegaard, acknowledging minor indispositions due to temperature shifts and air conditioning.

Solbakken further clarified media confusion regarding Odegaard's health, explaining that the individual feeling unwell was the team's physiotherapist, Thomas Odegaard, who is also Martin's uncle. "The illness issue has actually been exaggerated. The Odegaard family member who is sick is our physiotherapist, not Martin. All players are in excellent condition and ready to play," Solbakken asserted. Adding to the positive news, defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen has fully recovered from his injury, providing Solbakken with more options for the important encounter against England.

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The illness issue has actually been exaggerated. The Odegaard family member who is sick is our physiotherapist, not Martin. All players are in excellent condition and ready to play.