Two players with Wolverhampton Wanderers connections could play key roles for Norway when they face England in the UEFA Nations League on Monday. The match at Wembley Stadium is a crucial Group B2 clash, with Norway looking to build on their strong start to the campaign.
Wolves Ties in the Norway Squad
Norway's squad includes goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Wolves from Aston Villa but made only one appearance for the club. He has since moved to RB Leipzig in Germany. The other is midfielder Morten Thorsby, who is currently on loan at Genoa from Wolves' sister club, Udinese, under the same ownership group. Thorsby has impressed for Norway and could be a key figure in midfield.
England's Recent Struggles
England come into the match under pressure after a disappointing run of form. They have failed to win any of their last five games, including a 1-0 defeat to Italy and a 3-3 draw with Germany in their most recent outings. Manager Gareth Southgate is facing criticism over his tactics and team selection, with some fans calling for changes.
Norway's Ambitions
Norway, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last three matches and will be confident of causing an upset. Their star player Erling Haaland is expected to lead the line, but the contributions of players like Nyland and Thorsby could be decisive. According to Norwegian football expert Lars Sivertsen, "The Wolves connections in the squad give Norway a bit of Premier League experience, which could be vital in a game like this."
Match Significance
The match is important for both sides in the context of the Nations League. Norway currently top Group B2 with four points from two games, while England are second with three points from two matches. A win for Norway would put them in a strong position to win the group and earn promotion to League A.
What to Expect
England will be desperate to return to winning ways, but Norway have shown they can compete with top teams. The game promises to be a tight affair, with set pieces and counter-attacks likely to be key. Thorsby's physical presence in midfield and Nyland's shot-stopping ability could be crucial for Norway.
