Martin Odegaard praises ‘unbelievable’ Arsenal team-mate ahead of England vs Norway showdown

Martin Odegaard says he has been speaking to his Arsenal team-mates during Norway’s World Cup campaign and is relishing the challenge of going toe to toe with Declan Rice this weekend.

The Arsenal midfielder has captained Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the country’s history this summer, with the Vikings winning four of their opening five contests.

A stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil set up what promises to be an intriguing clash against Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions – and all eyes will be on Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night.

In Odegaard and Erling Haaland, Norway have two of the finest footballers currently playing their trade in English football, setting the standards for their fellow countryman throughout what has already been an unforgettable journey.

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In his first ever World Cup, Haaland has wreaked havoc for opposition defences, with the striker’s magnificent brace against Brazil taking him to seven goals for the tournament in just four games.

And after an up-and-down season from a personal perspective, despite Arsenal’s Premier League title win, Odegaard has returned to something like his best form while leading out his nation on the global stage.

The outbreak of a sickness bug in the Norwegian camp has threatened to throw a spanner in the works at the worst possible time, with Jorgen Strand Larsen, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen and head coach Stale Solbakken all believed to be feeling the effects.

But facing the media earlier today, Odegaard insisted it was ‘nothing major’ and likely a consequence of having to travel between Boston, New Jersey, Dallas and now Miami.

‘I think when you change temperature, air conditioning and all that, it’s normal so it’s nothing major to be honest,’ the Norwegian skipper told reporters.

‘We’ve had a few people feeling a bit sick but it’s nothing major and we should be all good for Saturday.’

Asked if he had been in communication with the Arsenal contingent within England’s squad ahead of Saturday, Odegaard replied: ‘I’ve spoken to a few of them a little bit during the tournament, but obviously we know the quality they have.

‘I know them really well. Outstanding players, world-class players playing for probably one of the best national teams in the world at the moment.

‘It’s going to be a big test for us but I think Brazil was the same. We were the underdogs and, as you saw, anything can happen in football.

‘We’re going to give it a good try, see what we can do and we’re looking forward to it.’

Odegaard is looking forward to going into battle with Rice, who he says has been ‘unbelievable’ for both club and country ‘for such a long time’.

‘He’s been outstanding,’ he added.

‘Playing with him, you can see all the qualities and it’s such a pleasure to share the pitch with him.

‘What he’s been doing for such a long time is just unbelievable so I’m looking forward to the challenge and seeing them all.’

Previewing the quarter-final on Piers Morgan Uncensored, ex-England captain John Terry warned the Three Lions that neutralising the threat of Odegaard in midfield would be paramount to their chances.

‘Listen, Norway are a good side. I think they’re well drilled,’ Terry explained.

‘I think everything that goes well through that team goes through Martin Odegaard.

‘If England stop him and Erling Haaland then we have a big, big chance.’

England’s eagerly anticipated contest with Norway kicks off at 10pm BST on Saturday at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

A semi-final clash against one of Argentina or Switzerland awaits the victor.

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