World Cup 2026: England's predicted lineup vs Norway

GK - Jordan Pickford

After some shaky performances at the World Cup, Jordan Pickford reminded everyone why he is still England's undisputed No1 with a string of excellent saves against Mexico.

With the Three Lions down to 10 men and under the cosh at the Azteca, Pickford came out and claimed the ball on numerous occasions to alleviate the pressure, and he will need to do that once again in Miami up against the towering figure of Erling Haaland.

RB - Djed Spence

Quansah's second-half red card has only deepened England's worries at right-back and, with first-choice James reportedly still a doubt to start vs Norway, we have opted for Djed Spence to come back in.

The Tottenham man is nursing an issue of his own but should still be available to Thomas Tuchel for this game. With Ezri Konsa likely needed central to deal with the Haaland threat, Spence will be tasked with thwarting dangerous winger Antonio Nusa on the right side of the back line.

CB - Ezri Konsa

As mentioned, we believe Tuchel will want Konsa in the centre of his defence to deal with the physical threat of Haaland.

The Aston Villa centre-back has been the only ever-present in England's defence at the 2026 World Cup so far and has a good record against Haaland at club level, conceding only once in five games - resulting in three wins and a draw.

CB - Marc Guehi

Despite some talk over whether Dan Burn should come in after his brilliant cameo vs Mexico, but we're fully expecting Marc Guehi to slot in alongside Konsa in the back four.

The duo have formed a strong partnership and are keeping the more experienced John Stones out of the team. and Guehi is expected to be fit despite missing training in the lead-up to the game.

LB - Nico O'Reilly

Nico O'Reilly is another who will keep his place at left-back after perhaps his most assured performance of the tournament so far against Mexico.

The Man City youngster played a more disciplined role than we are used to seeing from him, with less roaming forward, and it remains to be seen whether he will be afforded more freedom against Norway.

CM - Elliot Anderson

It will be no change in central midfield, either, with Elliot Anderson continuing to play as the deep playmaker for the Three Lions.

Manchester City's new £116million signing has become one of the first names on the teamsheet and made eight defensive contributions at the Azteca, with no England player making more, showing his capability of breaking up play and allowing Declan Rice to flourish.

CM - Declan Rice

Rice will remain in midfield, too, despite being one of three England players to miss training on Thursday.

The Arsenal skipper is nursing an injury and is walking a tightrope in terms of yellow cards, with one more seeing him miss a potential semi-final, but he is simply too important to the Three Lions to not play him.

RW - Bukayo Saka

It's been a slightly disjointed World Cup for Bukayo Saka after coming in and out of the side due to injury before he was the man to make way for a defender after Quansah's red card, but his run and cross for Jude Bellingham's opener was a reminder of the quality he possesses.

After playing less than an hour in the Round of 16, he should be fresh and ready for action for the crunch clash this Saturday.

CAM - Jude Bellingham

After putting in one of the great England World Cup performances, Bellingham will take his place as the more advanced midfielder once again against Norway.

Aside from his quickfire double in the first half, the Real Madrid man was everywhere, producing crucial blocks and interceptions to keep the Three Lions in front. He is another who risks a suspension for the semi-final, but once again, Bellingham simply needs to be in the XI on Saturday, and another good showing could boost his hopes of winning the Golden Ball.

LW - Anthony Gordon

After switching between Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon throughout the tournament, Gordon made the left-wing berth firmly his for now with an all-action display against Mexico.

The Barcelona man won the penalty for Harry Kane to score England's third, and did well in an unfamiliar midfield position when they were down to 10 men and defending their lead late on. Gordon should take on the starting role again despite playing the full 90 minutes at altitude, with Rashford primed for a role from the bench.

ST - Harry Kane

Perhaps the most nailed-on starter of all, Kane will take on his role up front once again after keeping himself in the Golden Boot race with his sixth of the tournament.

The Bayern Munich striker is at the peak of his powers, even if his voice is a little rusty, and will hope to outshine his opposite number Haaland in what is a battle between the world's two best strikers.

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