Norway dismiss illness fears ahead of England World Cup quarter-final as Miami heat looms

The rumours emerged after Norway manager Stale Solbakken revealed several members of the squad had been dealing with minor health issues during the tournament following their victory over Brazil, prompting questions over the team's condition before their meeting with England in Miami.

Sand, however, moved quickly to reassure supporters that the situation is under control.

"All players are healthy now," Sand told Norwegian outlet Nettavisen.

"Very little fuss considering that we have been close together for almost six weeks. We are in control."

The concerns stemmed from Solbakken's post-match comments after Norway secured their place in the last eight. He revealed that Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen had suffered a fever, while there had also been isolated cases of coughing and other minor illnesses within the travelling party.

"We've really only had Jorgen who has had a fever," Solbakken said. "But then there's been a bit of coughing and rasping scattered throughout. There's air conditioning, flights, changing rooms and all that. We're over 50 people, so it would be strange if one or the other didn't come."

Strand Larsen had already endured a difficult build-up to the tournament after spending two days in hospital with illness before Norway's opening match.

"I had been in the hospital bed for two days straight and was really sick," he said. "At first you get scared. I got 'FOMO' and thought I wouldn't be allowed to join."

Despite the health concerns, Norway have continued their historic World Cup campaign, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time. Solbakken's side have emerged as one of the tournament's surprise packages, eliminating Brazil after earlier victories over Iraq, Senegal and Ivory Coast, with their only defeat coming against France.

Much of their success has been driven by Erling Haaland, whose two goals against Brazil took his tournament tally to seven.

England, meanwhile, arrive in Miami after winning four of their five matches, including a dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts Mexico to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Thomas Tuchel's side have also had to contend with fitness concerns. Jordan Henderson is recovering from a broken radius sustained during the celebrations after the Mexico win, Reece James has been managing a hamstring issue, and defender Jarell Quansah is suspended.

Adding another layer of difficulty for both teams are the weather conditions expected in Florida. Forecasts predict temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius, while isolated thunderstorms could threaten kick-off after England previously experienced a weather delay because of lightning during their group-stage match against Mexico.

With Norway insisting their squad has recovered from any illness concerns, attention now turns to whether they can continue their remarkable run and upset England for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.

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