France and Norway are level on points ahead of their group finale, meeting in what is a straight shoot-out for top spot with both nations already qualified for the knockout stages.
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While Les Blues have named a strong starting XI, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has made 10 changes to his side.
Haaland’s omission from the starting XI is not an enforced decision. It is purely a selection decision with his head coach opting to rest him ahead of the last 32 stage.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaatd is also among those left out of the starting XI, rested, with Fredrik Aursnes the only man to keep his place in midfield.
The decision surprised Arsenal legend Ian Wright who told ITV1: ‘If he needs a rest for the latter stages of this tournament, he will take that.
Haaland warming up ahead of kick-off (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
‘Jorgen Strand Larsen will get a chance and we can see what he can do. But I am surprised. We will probably see what happens in the next game with decisions like this.’
Another former Arsenal star in Patrick Vieira was also taken aback by the decision, believing it sends the wrong message.
‘The message is really clear, there is nothing to play for them today,’ Vieira said.
‘Finishing first can be really important, changing 10 players and not having your top players in from the start, I think it sends the message they are happy finishing second.’
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