Can the Gap Between 4th and 31st Actually Hold Up?

[WIZ001]

On paper, this quarterfinal shouldn't be close. England sit 4th in the FIFA rankings, Norway all the way down at 31st — a gulf of 27 places that would suggest a comfortable night for Thomas Tuchel's side in Miami. But World Cup football has a habit of ignoring spreadsheets, and Norway have spent this tournament proving exactly that, storming to their first quarterfinal since 1998 on the back of Erling Haaland's relentless scoring form.
Tuchel isn't taking chances. Jarell Quansah's suspension after his red card against Mexico forces a reshuffle, with Ezri Konsa shifting to right-back and John Stones stepping into central defence. Noni Madueke comes in for Bukayo Saka on the right, giving England fresh legs against a Norway side that thrives on directness through Haaland.
The numbers back England as favourites — a 50.7% win probability compared to Norway's 25.1% — but that pre-match rating already tells you this squad has consistently outperformed its ranking, and neither Kane nor Haaland needs much invitation to punish a mistake. Kickoff is 5pm local at Miami Stadium, and early signs suggest neither ranking nor reputation will decide this one — the strikers will.

[luxuriantly]

Haaland aside, do you think Norway's defense can actually handle the reshuffled England attack?