Thomas Tuchel’s side have made it to the quarters after bruising knockout stage wins over DR Congo and co-hosts Mexico as they aim for a second semi-final in their last three World Cup appearances.
Gareth Southgate led the Three Lions to the semis back in 2018 – their first run there since 1990 – before his team lost out to Croatia in Russia.
Southgate reached back-to-back UEFA European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024, but lost to Italy and Spain respectively, and he left the national team shortly after the latter defeat.
England have reached the quarterfinals at a World Cup on 10 occasions, but have made it to the semis just three times, including their sole world title win in 1966.
Tuchel’s charges are favourites to power on and book a date with reigning champions Argentina or Switzerland in the final four, but what about Norway’s record in the World Cup?
Erling Haaland’s seven goals has propelled them to this stage – including winners against the Ivory Coast and Brazil – and Norway have already set a new historical benchmark in their World Cup record.
Norway’s World Cup record
Norway qualified for their first World Cup in 1938 - but as part of the old straight knockout format – they lost their only game at the first hurdle with a 2-1 extra time defeat to eventual champions Italy in Marseille.
The Scandinavians had to wait until USA ’94 for their next qualification where they were placed in Group E alongside Mexico, Italy and the Republic of Ireland.
1-0 losses to Mexico and Norway dented their chances of progression, and a 0-0 draw with Ireland saw the Boys in Green snatch a best third-place spot, as Norway bowed out without a goal scored.
France ’98 offered Norway a chance to bounce back and they reached the knockout stages for the first time under Egil Olsen.
Draws against Morocco and Scotland put them in a great position heading into a Group A finale against 1994 finalists Brazil and Kjetil Rekdal’s late penalty stunned the world to seal a 2-1 win.
Their bubble was burst by a 1-0 last 16 loss to Italy, and that win over Brazil remained as their only World Cup victory prior to qualifying for the 2026 tournament, and making the quarters for the first time in their history.