FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 Tactical Analysis: Norway vs England

Despite Cameroons best efforts to unsettle England in the round of 16, Phil Nevilles side managed to progress with a 3-0 win. Their opponents in the quarter-finals, Norway, had to overcome Australia on penalties to secure their place in the last eight of the FIFA Womens World Cup 2019.

With another clean sheet, and a consecutive three-goal margin of victory, the Lionesses swatted aside the Grasshoppers in style. This tactical analysis will examine exactly how they did it.

Lineups

England went with their usual formation of 4-3-3/4-1-4-1 for this game, with Keira Walsh again preferred as a single pivot. Despite injury doubts, the trusted duo of Millie Bright and Steph Houghton occupied the central defensive berths. Demi Stokes was selected ahead of Alex Greenwood at left-back, while Toni Duggan lined up on the same flank in place of Beth Mead.

Martin Sjogren set his team up in a 4-4-2, with Barcelona forward Caroline Graham Hansen joining the experienced Isabell Herlovsen up front. The young duo of Vilde Boe Risa and Ingrid Syerstad Engen paired up in central midfield, while Chelseas Maren Mjelde lead her side from the heart of defence.

England bypass the pivot

A common issue for England in this tournament, their opponents once again tried to shut off access to holding midfielder Keira Walsh. The Manchester City player was regularly flanked by Norways strikers, while they would also leave her in their cover shadow on the occasions where they applied pressure to Houghton and Bright.

It wouldnt have come as much of a surprise to see Neville shift to a double pivot system for this tie. However, he stuck to his guns knowing the benefits that come from having both Jill Scott and Fran Kirby positioned between the lines.

England often bypassed Walsh in