Emma Hayes Warns England: Stop Haaland, but Norway Are No One-Man Team

Jul 10, 2026 4 min read 9 views

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Former Chelsea Women boss Emma Hayes warns England that stopping Erling Haaland is crucial but Norway are far more than a one-man team ahead of their...

Ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final, former Chelsea Women manager and now pundit Emma Hayes has issued a stark warning to England: the key is nullifying Erling Haaland, but Norway's threat extends far beyond their superstar striker.

Tactical Battle Will Be a Grind

Writing in her column for The Guardian, Hayes predicted a tense, attritional contest that could easily go the full 120 minutes.

"England fans are going to have to be really patient on Saturday night because this World Cup quarter-final against Norway will feel like a grind and I would not be surprised if the match goes the full distance," Hayes wrote.

She stressed that the pace of the game will be dictated by a Norway side managed by Ståle Solbakken, who understand exactly how to maximize their strengths while neutralizing England's attacking flow.

Starving Haaland of Service: The Number One Priority

Haaland, widely regarded as the world's most clinical finisher, needs little introduction. The Manchester City phenomenon has already netted five times in the tournament, and his mere presence forces opponents into defensive adjustments.

But Hayes insists that simply man-marking the Norwegian captain is not enough.

"The crucial thing England have to do, tactically, is try to starve Haaland of service, because if that ball arrives in his proximity and he is given half a chance, you know it is going into the back of the net. He doesn’t need many chances because he’s so clinical. England have to work so hard to deny him service."

She highlighted the need for England’s midfield and wide players to cut off the supply lines from the likes of Martin Ødegaard, who has been pulling strings in deeper areas, and the overlapping full-backs who provide crosses into the box.

Norway’s Underrated Collective Unit

While Haaland grabs the headlines, Hayes was quick to point out that Solbakken has built a resilient, well-drilled outfit that performs as a cohesive unit. Norway’s run to the last eight—topping a group containing Brazil and then ousting a dangerous Uruguay side—has been built on tactical discipline and collective spirit.

“They know their roles, they know their distances, and they don’t panic under pressure,” Hayes noted. “This is not a one-man team; it’s a team that happens to have the best goal-scorer on the planet.”

She also praised Solbakken’s in-game management, citing his ability to switch between a 4-3-3 and a compact 4-5-1 block when protecting leads or absorbing pressure.

England Must Impose Their Own Rhythm

For Gareth Southgate’s men, the key will be dictating tempo and avoiding the trap of overcommitting players forward. Hayes believes patience in possession and quick transitions will be England’s best weapons against a Norway side that can be caught out if forced to defend in numbers.

“If England play too slowly, they’ll play right into Norway’s hands. But if they can move the ball quickly and stretch the opposition, they’ll create spaces—even against such a disciplined block.”

Key Takeaways

England must prioritize shutting down the service to Erling Haaland, as the striker will punish even half-chances.
Norway are a tactically cohesive unit under Ståle Solbakken, not a one-dimensional team.
Patience and tempo control will be decisive; a fast start could unbalance Norway’s structure.
The match is expected to be a low-scoring, tight affair that could easily go to extra time.
Martin Ødegaard’s creativity from midfield will be as big a concern as Haaland’s finishing.