“It’s a little bit more painful”

Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley wants England to beat Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final tonight (July 11) in Miami before tripping in the last four.

Thomas Tuchel’s 10-man side beat Mexico 3-2 in Mexico City on Monday (July 6). Midfielder Jude Bellingham starred with a first-half brace, while captain Harry Kane netted a second-half penalty before conceding one, which set up a grandstand finale.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are coming off a 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice late on to take his team to a first World Cup quarter-final.

The Three Lions reached their third World Cup semi-final eight years ago in Russia, losing 2-1 to Croatia after extra time. However, in their most recent quarter-final – at Qatar 2022 – they lost by the same scoreline to France. Nevertheless, Burley thinks the Three Lions could beat Erling Haaland’s team, saying on ESPN:

“England to go through. Just so that when they get to the semi-finals and get knocked out, it’s a little bit more painful. I want them to be able to feel that World Cup only for it to be dragged away.”

The 2018 game against Croatia was the first time in 28 years that the Three Lions reached the World Cup semis, since losing 4-3 on penalties to eventual champions Germany at Italia 1990 following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

“Our players aren’t playing with fear” – England boss ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup clash with Norway

England head coach Thomas Tuchel said that his team won’t get overawed by the occasion or the opponent when they take on Norway tonight in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final.

With a place in the last four at stake, the Three Lions will start as the favourites against a Vikings side set to appear in their maiden World Cup quarter-final. Acknowledging that Stale Solbakken’s side have little to lose, Tuchel said (as per The Guardian):

“I understand that it’s a bit of a lighter situation (for Norway) and they can ride this wave. But we’re not thinking in this matter, and I don’t feel our players are playing with fear. I don’t feel the weight of the shirt. And now we go. No matter who is on the other side, no matter if we are favourites or not or if the pressure is on.”

England captain Harry Kane (6) and Norway marksman (7) are in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race, behind leader Kylian Mbappe (8). Kane won the award in his debut World Cup campaign eight years ago.