Former England international Kyle Walker believes Norway are the only team capable of stopping the Three Lions from winning a historic second World Cup. England reached the quarter-finals after a dramatic 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, overcoming a hostile atmosphere, difficult conditions, and a red card for Jarell Quansah.
Walker's assessment of Norway threat
Speaking on The Sun's YouTube channel, Walker said: 'I’ve no disrespect to Brazil, because Brazil are a fantastic team, but I think I would probably prefer to play Brazil as England. I feel that there are spaces where you can get around them, especially, Casemiro and the legs in the midfield. I look at, we could probably run over them.'
'But Norway are a well-organised team. They’re not really that bothered about the ball. But when they do get the ball, you can see that they can play. They’ve got powerhouses up front. And with Erling Haaland and Odegaard at the form that they’re in, I think it could be a real problem. But fingers crossed England put in the same performance as they did against Mexico.'
England's path to the final
England will face Norway in Miami on Saturday evening. Should they progress, a semi-final against either Argentina or Switzerland awaits. On the other side of the draw, France take on Morocco while Spain face Belgium. Walker expressed confidence: 'I think that England should be a little bit disappointed if they don’t get to the final now. That’s no pressure from me. I’ve been on the other side of it when everyone’s saying that you should do this and shouldn’t do that. But I feel it’s a great chance and a great opportunity to go and make history and you need to take it with both hands.'
France remain favourites
Despite his optimism, Walker does not label England as tournament favourites. 'It’s not ours to lose, I don’t feel. I still feel that France are probably the favourites to win it.' Former England defender Micah Richards echoed this, saying: 'I think the only team that really worry me is France. They’re so dynamic.' France have won all five matches so far and aim to become only the third nation after West Germany and Brazil to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.
Previous tournament heartbreak
In 2022, England were eliminated in the quarter-finals by France, losing 2-1 after Harry Kane's late penalty miss. Walker believes this time is different, citing the team's resilience against Mexico as a sign of progress.
