England favourites to reach semis, says Norway boss

England are favourites to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, Norway boss Stale Solbakken has told BBC Sport.

The Three Lions meet Norway - who knocked out five-time world champions Brazil in the last 16 - in Miami on Saturday (22:00 BST kick-off).

And Solbakken, in an interview with BBC sports editor Dan Roan, said: "They are favourites, but they're not big, big favourites."

Later, the former Wolves boss told a news conference at the Miami Stadium: "I think England have more pressure than us.

"But we also put pressure on our performance. Once the game starts I don't think the players think about the pressure."

Norway's team is packed with Premier League talent and experience, including Arsenal's title-winning captain Martin Odegaard and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.

"Brazil and England are maybe the two biggest nations we could meet at this World Cup in terms of history," added Solbakken.

The winners of Saturday's quarter-final will meet Argentina or Switzerland next Wednesday (20:00 BST) in Atlanta for a place in the 19 July showpiece.

- BBC