England vs Norway thunder threat, triple injury update, Kane vs Trump – World Cup round-up – The Mirror
Need to know
Halfway through the World Cup quarter-finals, one semi-final is already set, and the other one will feature either England or Norway and Argentina or Switzerland
Everything you need to know after Spain beat Belgium and ahead of England against Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals…
Courtois in tears: Thibaut Courtois left the pitch in tears after having to be substituted by Belgium in their World Cup quarter-final against Spain. The score was 1-1 at the time before his replacement, Senne Lammens, spilled a long-range shot at the feet of Mikel Merino, who scored the winner as a substitute for a straight knockout match to put them through to a semi-final with France.
England fans invade Miami: England fans were in attendance at the Cleveland Guardians versus Miami Marlins baseball game on Friday after arriving in Florida ahead of their match against Norway. The MLB team’s official drummer broke protocol by shouting “Let’s go England,” while Norway fans performed their “row” celebration with Billy the Marlin, Miami’s mascot.
England triple training boost: Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all trained with the rest of their England team-mates on Friday. The former two missed Wednesday’s session in Miami, but are back now and appear available for selection again alongside the right-back, who has missed their last three matches due to injury.
Weather warning: AccuWeather senior meteorologist Chad Merrill believes that there are likely to be thunderstorms across Miami around the time England play Norway. He has told The Sun: “It’s that time frame from midday through the early part of the afternoon where there will likely be some thunderstorms and lightning nearby for the match.” There are subsequent fears around whether the match – scheduled for 10pm UK time – will kick off on time tonight.
Tuchel told to email FIFA for red card explanation: Thomas Tuchel acknowledged during his pre-match press conference that England have received “no explanation” from FIFA regarding the two-match ban Jarell Quansah will serve for his red card against Mexico. After the England head coach answered that question about having any communication with the governing body, a FIFA communications representative said: “If you want a response from FIFA, email [email protected].”
Norway pile on pressure: Norway head coach Stale Solbakken believes the pressure is on England ahead of their World Cup quarter-final. He said: “I think England has more pressure than us, but we also put pressure on our performance, and when the game starts, I don’t think the players think about pressure. I think it’s something which is only spoken about before the game.”
Tuchel’s brave boys: Thomas Tuchel wants England to “be on the front foot and be brave” against Norway. He said: “We need to be brave now,” he said. “It’s quarter-finals, and the brave will have the luck on their side. We cannot have any regrets when we play a quarter-final. We have to go for it.”
Haaland comparison denied: Harry Kane has played down comparisons with Erling Haaland, saying they are different types of centre-forward. “I think we are completely different players because I know we’re both seen as strikers, but I think we play two completely different positions if I’m honest.”
Golden Boot race pressure played down: Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe lead the World Cup Golden Boot race with six goals, but Harry Kane is not feeling the pressure to catch up despite being one behind them and level with Erling Haaland in joint-third. He explained: “In terms of myself, I don’t think it adds any more pressure. It’s exciting for all football fans to see us doing well. A lot of us are still in the tournament, so from my point of view, I try to do my best for the team.”
Kane confirms Trump golf round: Harry Kane has confirmed that he played golf with Donald Trump in Florida around 18 months ago. He said: “When the President invites you somewhere, it was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him. His golf is pretty good, to be honest with you. I hope I can play golf as well as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure. A unique experience, but I was just grateful that he invited me to play.”
