England and Norway meet in quarter-final as Argentina face Switzerland

MIAMI: England will face Norway in a World Cup quarter-final on Saturday in a match that sets up a high-profile contest between Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, while Argentina take on Switzerland for a place in the semi-finals.

The winners of the two ties will meet in the last four. England reached the quarter-finals after a 3-2 win over Mexico in the round of 16 despite having a player sent off, with Kane again playing a central role. The Bayern Munich striker has scored six goals in the tournament. Haaland, meanwhile, has struck seven times and helped Norway reach this stage for the first time, including in their victory over Brazil.

Norway's run has also been marked by the Viking Row celebration from their supporters, which has become a notable feature of the tournament in the United States. Coach Stale Solbakken said the latest knockout game carried huge significance for Norwegian football.

Speaking on Friday, Solbakken said:

Every game has been the most important (in history) for Norwegian football, especially in the knockout rounds, so this is the third time it is the most important game

Kane said he respected Haaland but saw the two forwards as different types of players.

The England captain said:

I see myself as a different player, although I score the same goals

I like to maybe touch the ball a little bit more, be involved with the play a little bit more, but also can play as maybe the out-and-out number nine.

I don’t think it’s one to compare ourselves. I respect him a lot as a player and as a professional.

England received encouraging news on Friday as Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all returned to training after injury and illness concerns. Coach Thomas Tuchel described that development as positive and said England had progressed in their previous match but now needed to take the next step by winning a quarter-final. The game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami is expected to be played in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.

Argentina seek to hold off Switzerland

In Kansas City, reigning champions Argentina continue their bid to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. They came through the group stage comfortably, but their knockout matches have been far more demanding as they were stretched by Cape Verde and then Egypt.

Lionel Messi, who turned 39 during the group phase, has remained Argentina's key figure and has scored 21 goals across six World Cups, a new record. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the challenge posed by Switzerland, describing them as an experienced and strong side led by Granit Xhaka in midfield.

Scaloni said:

They have very experienced players. They are strong. So it will be a tough opponent, that is for sure

Messi has missed two penalties in the tournament, but Scaloni said he had no intention of removing spot-kick duties from his captain.

He said:

It wouldn’t even cross my mind to go and tell him not to [take the next penalty]. Let him do whatever he wants

Spain set up France semi-final

On Friday, Spain advanced to the semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Belgium in Los Angeles. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a shot and Mikel Merino converted the chance.

European champions Spain had earlier conceded their first goal of the tournament and will now play France in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called that match a final before the final because of the quality of the two teams.