A sweeping illness has engulfed Norway's squad ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against England in Miami, with more than 50 members of the camp reporting coughing and hoarseness. Manager Stale Solbakken, who coughed during a press conference, attributed the outbreak to extensive travel, air conditioning, and flights but said the situation is improving.
Forward Jorgen Strand Larsen missed Norway's opening group match with a fever, while defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen sat out the round-of-16 victory over Brazil with fever, coughing, and a sore throat. Erling Haaland has remained unaffected, sitting atop the tournament scoring chart with seven goals — two of them coming in the 2-1 win over Brazil.
England reach the match off a 3-2 last-16 defeat of Mexico but face their own selection concerns, with Jarell Quansah suspended and Jordan Henderson and Reece James carrying injuries.