England vs Norway - Five players who could impact off the bench in FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final

England will face Norway for the first time in the FIFA World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel’s England are set to lock horns with Norway in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The Three Lions have been one of the top favourites to win the tournament, while Ståle Solbakken’s men have played a complete underdog story.

They secured one of their biggest wins of the competition by stunning five-time champions Brazil in the round of 16. Erling Haaland has been in top form, scoring 7 goals in four games for the Landslaget. Meanwhile, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have been the 1966 champions’ top goalscorers.

The game is set to feature high-pressure and physical football. Nevertheless, while the starting lineups will be crucial, here is a list of three substitutes who might decide the game off the bench.

Also Read: Norway vs England pitch & weather report – Conditions revealed ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

5. Leo Ostigard

Leo Ostigard got a brilliant start to his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Iraq. He made a brief cameo against the Asian side and scored a goal. He earned his first start when a heavily rotated Norwegian squad faced France in their last group-stage game; however, he failed to put up an impressive performance.

He also conceded a penalty during Brazil’s 1-2 defeat to Norway. However, Leo Ostigard’s experience keeps him in contention to be one of the best defensive substitutes for the Landslaget.

4. Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka had played all five games for the Three Lions in the 2026 FIFA World Cup under Thomas Tuchel. However, he has started only two. He started the last group stage game against Panama, where England secured a 2-0 triumph, courtesy of goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

He started from the bench against the DR Congo before finally getting his second start against Mexico. However, as one of the best players in the lineup, Saka can step up in a crucial game to show his calibre.

3. Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford’s start in the FIFA World Cup was astounding. He scored a crucial goal coming off the bench during the Three Lions’ 4-2 win over Croatia in the opening game. After making a cameo against Ghana, he earned his first start of the 2026 edition against Panama.

Rashford also started ahead of Anthony Gordon in the round of 32 against the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, he failed to score his second goal of the World Cup campaign. Thus, the quarterfinal game could give him the biggest opportunity.

2. Oscar Bobb

Fulham’s Oscar Bobb has the potential to be the breakthrough forward for the Norwegian side. The 22-year-old has decent footwork and is agile with his movements. He has been a part of all five games for the Landslaget; however, he has started only one.

Bobb primarily plays as a right winger and gave promising performances against Brazil and France. Against France, he won five of the six ground duels he was involved in and achieved 100 per cent success in dribbles (1/1).

1. Morgan Rogers

Morgan Rogers has not gotten solid minutes in the knockout games under Thomas Tuchel. However, he has the potential to change the attacking dynamics to the side. Rogers could make runs on the wings while also featuring as a second striker.

Jude Bellingham has been doing the role pretty well, as he has scored four goals and has provided one assist for the Three Lions in five starts. However, the Aston Villa attacker could also prove to be a lynchpin for England, especially while coming on as a substitute.

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