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England's star striker Harry Kane will lead his team against Erling Haaland's Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals. The match is set to be a intense battle between two of the world's top strikers. Kane has been instrumental in England's World Cup campaign, scoring six goals to fire the team to the quarter-finals. Haaland, on the other hand, has been in scintillating form for Norway, scoring seven goals to help his team reach further than ever before.
Both teams have been impressive in their respective World Cup campaigns. England's victory over Mexico in the round of 16 saw them come from behind to win 3-2, despite being reduced to 10 men. Norway, meanwhile, has been on a roll, eliminating Brazil in the knockout stages. Their fans have been celebrating with a joyous rowing celebration, turning venues across the US into giant human Viking ships.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken said every game has been the most important for his team in history, especially in the knockout rounds. England captain Kane described Haaland as a 'beast' but insisted their styles are different. Kane said he sees himself as a different player, involved more in the play, but can also play as an out-and-out number nine.
England has been boosted by the return of influential trio Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Reece James, who have been dealing with illness and injury. Coach Thomas Tuchel described their presence as the best news and said the team will look up at what is ahead of them. The match in Miami's Hard Rock Stadium is set to be a sweaty affair, played in temperatures forecast to rise above 40C.
Argentina, meanwhile, has been struggling in the knockout stages, pushed to breaking point by World Cup debutants Cape Verde and then Egypt. Lionel Messi has been the talisman for Argentina, his genius repeatedly getting his team out of tight spots. However, there is a suggestion that the Swiss, a well-organized unit marshalled by midfield general Granit Xhaka, could exploit any weariness and cause them problems.
The quarter-final match between England and Norway will be a battle of two of the world's top strikers. The winner will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals, with the possibility of facing off against each other in the final.
### Key Facts • England will face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals. • Harry Kane will take on Erling Haaland in a mouthwatering battle of elite strikers. • Argentina will face Switzerland in the other quarter-final match. • The winner will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals. • The quarter-finals will take place on 14 and 15 July. • The World Cup final is set to take place on 18 July. • Lionel Messi has scored six goals in the World Cup so far. • Erling Haaland has scored seven goals in the World Cup so far.