Saka and Rashford start on bench for England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway

By Blessing Adeyi — 12 July 2026 — 3 min read

Bukayo Saka was not included in England‘s starting lineup for their World Cup quarter-final match against Norway. Despite expressing optimism before the match, Saka was not risked due to an Achilles problem. This injury was first sustained in March during the Carabao Cup final, causing him to miss a significant period in the spring. He played a key role in securing the Premier League title for his club, but this appears to have impacted his availability for the World Cup.

Saka had previously stated, “Across the tournament, my minutes have been building. I’m building. Of course, I would have loved to come to this tournament 100%, but that wasn’t the case, and everyone’s realised that, and they’ve managed me in the best way possible. But right now, I’m feeling great, and I’m ready to go.” He was listed among the substitutes for the match.

In Saka’s absence, Thomas Tuchel opted to start Noni Madueke at right wing. Madueke has not registered a goal or an assist in the tournament and has forced one save from an opposition goalkeeper.

Rashford on the bench for tactical reasons

Marcus Rashford was also named among the substitutes for England’s quarter-final clash with Norway. Many supporters anticipated Rashford would start, but Tuchel chose a different tactical approach. This decision reflects the competitive nature for attacking positions within the England squad, rather than fitness concerns.

Anthony Gordon‘s performances during the tournament, including his display against Mexico, have reportedly led to him being preferred on the left wing. Gordon’s standout performances have moved him ahead in the selection order as England prepared for the knockout stage.

Rashford has contributed to England’s World Cup campaign, including scoring against Croatia. His pace, direct running, and finishing ability are considered important assets for England later in matches.

England’s lineup and opponent’s form

England’s confirmed starting XI for the match against Norway was: Jordan Pickford; Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane. The substitutes included Dean Henderson, James Trafford, Trevoh Chalobah, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson, Dan Burn, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, Eberechi Eze, Ivan Toney, Djed Spence, and Reece James.

England secured their place in the quarter-finals by defeating Mexico 3-2. They played the final 36 minutes with 10 men after Jarell Quansah‘s dismissal. Bellingham scored twice in the first half, and Kane added a penalty. Mexico scored two late goals, but England maintained their lead.

Norway advanced to the quarter-finals after eliminating Brazil with a 2-1 victory. Erling Haaland scored both goals for Norway in the final 11 minutes of that match, bringing his tournament total to seven goals in five matches.

Tuchel acknowledged the challenge of facing Haaland, stating, “You can’t avoid focusing [on him], for sure not. There is so much quality in his moments and you have to make decisions.” He noted Haaland’s ability to arrive at the second post and his diverse attacking skills. Tuchel’s strategy involved assigning Haaland’s Manchester City teammates, John Stones and Marc Guéhi, to mark him, with fellow clubmate Nico O’Reilly also in the lineup.

This approach was not universally supported, with former player Wayne Rooney suggesting that it would be “harder” for teammates to defend against Haaland. Rooney argued that familiarity with a striker’s scoring ability in training could give the forward an advantage in a match situation.

Source: si.com