adminNorwegian defender Odin Bjortuft has dismissed the idea that England’s World Cup quarter-final opponents can be defined by just two star names.
The Bodo/Glimt centre-back was a late cut from Norway’s final tournament squad despite featuring in March’s friendlies, but his time training with Stale Solbakken’s side and playing alongside several key figures domestically has given him intimate knowledge of the group’s true strengths.
All eyes from the English camp will naturally fall on Premier League icons Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard as Thomas Tuchel’s men look to seal a semi-final spot in Miami on Saturday, live on talkSPORT. Yet Bjortuft insists it is Norway’s collective unity, not individual brilliance, that poses the real obstacle.
Asked for the Norwegian view of England, the 27-year-old stated: “We think that England is a better team, in a way. Individually, they are very strong. But I think the collectiveness in Norway is much, much better than England. That’s said from the outside, of course—I don’t know what’s going on internally.
England have a lot of star players. We do too. But watching from outside, I think we function better as a group. So that’s where our hope lies. We know the team can beat England, not just Haaland or Odegaard.”
Norway’s X-factor and hidden weapon
Having already made history by reaching their first-ever World Cup quarter-final, triggering celebrations in Oslo and across North America, Bjortuft admitted the underdogs initially were just “happy to qualify.” Now, however, there is a genuine belief that something extraordinary is within reach. From his own experience with the squad in the buildup, the mood was always positive.
“It was a really good experience,” Bjortuft recalled. “The lads were top. Everyone was really welcoming and fun to be around. I think that’s a huge plus for Norway—everyone enjoys each other’s company, playing cards, golf, as you’ve seen in the States. I think that’s Norway’s biggest X-factor: the team and the collectiveness. Everyone loves spending time together, which is vital when you’re at a World Cup and on camp for nearly two months. That’s the most important part.”
Underrated stars
Norway’s footballing resurgence has been years in the making, with Bjortuft’s own club Bodo/Glimt at the forefront. Fans will remember their fairytale run to the Europa League semis in 2024/25 and subsequent Champions League knockout qualification.
Bjortuft was a key figure in that side, which stunned Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan. So too was Patrick Berg—grandson of Norwegian legend Harald Berg—and the midfielder has impressed at the World Cup.
“[Berg] is far more important than outsiders realise,” Bjortuft said. “They might see him as just a good player from a small club, but he commands huge respect in the national team and here too. He’s a major player for us, but also a real leader—on and off the pitch.
He leads everyone, whether it’s Haaland or me. He’s an excellent leader outside football, and people value his football opinions. He’s incredibly sharp tactically. I think he’s influential in the national set-up.
For me, he might be one of Norway’s best players in this World Cup, which is great for us to see. It doesn’t matter if it’s a World Cup quarter-final or a domestic game in Norway—he plays with the same composure, which is hugely impressive.”
Norway also boast serious depth, with 21-year-old Benfica forward Andreas Schjelderup providing three assists at the tournament despite only one start. “Every time he’s come on, he’s made an impact,” Bjortuft added. “He’s a very tough opponent—really clever in how he takes you on. He’s a fine player and one to watch for the future.”
How do Norway play?
England have been waiting for an opponent to match their Premier League-style intensity. Norway dominated possession with 66% in their 2-1 last-16 win over Brazil, and Bodo/Glimt’s possession-oriented philosophy is clearly stamped on the team.
Bjortuft concluded: “Norwegian football is getting very strong in possession. We have players who can control games and use the ball well—we saw that against Brazil, with over 60% possession against a highly technical side. That shows our style. At the same time, if England leave us space, we’re also dangerous on the counter, with Haaland up front and excellent wingers who can beat defenders one-on-one.”
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