The tension surrounding tonight’s World Cup quarter-final between England and Norway has reached a fever pitch.
As the Three Lions prepare to lock horns with Erling Haaland Co, a bombshell report has now emerged which seems to have revealed Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI before the official announcement.
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England Lineup vs Norway Leaked
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Ezri Konsa is expected to shift across to right-back, while Noni Madueke is in line to replace Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
The defensive reshuffle comes following Jarell Quansah’s suspension, with John Stones set to return to his preferred centre-back position alongside Marc Guehi.
The expected England XI is:
Jordan Pickford; Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.
Madueke’s inclusion is the other headline selection, with the Arsenal winger replacing Saka despite his club team-mate starting the dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last 16.
Tuchel appears to be looking for fresh legs and direct pace against a Norway side that has already eliminated Brazil from the tournament.
England have also received a major fitness boost ahead of kick-off. Guehi, Declan Rice and Reece James all trained before the match after recent injury concerns, although James will begin on the bench.
Much of the tactical focus will inevitably fall on Haaland, who has been Norway’s standout performer throughout the competition.
Tuchel’s decision to deploy Konsa at right-back and restore Stones to central defence suggests England are prioritising defensive solidity to deal with the formidable frontman’s movement.
With Spain already through to the semi-finals and one of Argentina or Switzerland awaiting the winner, England know victory over Norway would leave them just one game away from a World Cup final.
All eyes will now be on whether Tuchel’s selection gamble pays off on one of the biggest nights of England’s campaign.
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