Internal tensions within the Norway squad have come to light just days before their World Cup quarter-final against England, with the father of striker Alexander Sørloth openly describing his son's frustration and anger over limited playing time. The revelations challenge the widely promoted image of a harmonious team atmosphere often referred to as a «boys' trip» among the players.
Gøran Sørloth, a former Norway international himself, told Norwegian media that his son has been «irritated» and «angry» at being left out of the starting lineup during key matches in the tournament. «He wants to play, he wants to contribute, and when he doesn't get the chance, of course he is frustrated,» the elder Sørloth said. «There is anger there, but it is a controlled anger. He channels it into his training and his work for the team.»
The comments come as Norway prepares for the biggest match in their recent history — a quarter-final clash against England, a team packed with Premier League talent including Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Marc Guehi. Norway have reached this stage of the World Cup for the first time, and the pressure on manager Ståle Solbakken to deliver a result has intensified.
Alexander Sørloth, who plays his club football for Villarreal, has been used primarily as a substitute during the tournament, with Solbakken preferring other attacking options. The 29-year-old has made brief appearances off the bench but has not been given a starting role, a decision that has clearly rankled within the family. Gøran Sørloth acknowledged that his son's frustration is shared by other squad members who feel they are not being utilised fully.
«It is not just Alexander,» he said. «There are several players who feel they could be doing more. But the manager makes the decisions, and we have to respect that. The team comes first.»
Norway's World Cup campaign has been marked by both achievement and adversity. The team topped their group for the first time in their history, defeating Brazil and Senegal along the way. However, reports have also emerged that a sickness bug has swept through the squad in the days leading up to the England match, potentially weakening their preparations. Several players have been affected, though the Norwegian Football Federation has declined to name those involved.
The combination of illness and internal discord could prove costly against an England side that has grown in confidence throughout the tournament. England, led by manager Gareth Southgate, have reached the quarter-finals after a dominant group stage and a comfortable round-of-16 victory. The match is expected to be a stern test of Norway's resilience, both physically and mentally.
Erling Haaland, Norway's star striker and one of the most feared forwards in world football, has been the focal point of the team's attack. His partnership with Guehi at Manchester City has drawn attention, but the two will be on opposite sides when the whistle blows. Haaland has scored five goals in the tournament so far and will be central to Norway's hopes of progressing further.
Despite the tensions, Gøran Sørloth insisted that his son remains fully committed to the team's cause. «He will give everything if he is called upon,» he said. «He loves his country and wants to help Norway achieve something special.»
The quarter-final is scheduled to take place this weekend at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the same venue where Brazil's Neymar scored his final international goal earlier in the tournament. For Norway, the match represents a chance to make history and silence the growing noise around their camp. For England, it is an opportunity to continue their quest for a first World Cup title since 1966.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, the focus will inevitably shift back to the pitch. But the revelations from the Sørloth camp have added an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
