Haaland is making his World Cup debut and has been the tournament’s most relentless force. Seven goals in five appearances — including two in the last 11 minutes to stun Brazil — have him level with Mbappé and Kane as the tournament’s second-highest scorer behind Messi’s 8. He scored in 14 consecutive games for Norway coming into this tournament. His physicality, aerial presence, and ability to score in high-pressure moments make him the single most dangerous individual player in the draw. England’s entire defensive strategy will be built around stopping Haaland — and so far in this tournament, no one has managed it.

Ødegaard is the player who makes Norway work when Haaland isn’t finishing. His vision, his ability to operate in tight spaces, and his delivery from dead ball situations give Norway a second dimension that opponents cannot simply park and defend against. His assist for Haaland’s first goal vs Brazil and his overall control of Norway’s transitions have been essential. Against England’s midfield, Ødegaard’s quality on the ball will determine whether Norway can control the match and create the spaces Haaland needs.

Nyland was the man of the match against Brazil. His first-half penalty save from Bruno Guimaraes was the moment that kept Norway in the game — Haaland’s brace did the rest. His composure, his reading of the game under pressure, and his ability to make crucial saves in tight matches have been the foundation of Norway’s run. England have Kane on penalties and Bellingham driving late into the box. Nyland’s performance in Miami will define whether Norway’s quarterfinal run ends or continues.