Following their emotional 3-2 victory against co-hosts Mexico, the atmosphere within the England team was more euphoric than ever. When asked by Argentinian reporters which team had been the most impressive at this year's World Cup , both Bukayo Saka and Nico O'Reilly answered without hesitation: "England".
Saka shared that the victory against Mexico helped the England players become much more cohesive. The players coming off the bench also made an impact, while the starters continued to shine at crucial moments. “Everyone contributed and it was a really great night for the whole team. We need to carry that spirit into the game against Norway,” Saka emphasized.
Bukayo Saka (number 7) during the match between England and Panama in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, June 27. Photo: AP 
Bukayo Saka trains before the quarter-final match against Norway. Photo: Bukayo Saka/Instagram
Saka is in top physical condition.
The 24-year-old winger had only played 57 minutes in the win against Mexico before being substituted following Jarell Quansah's red card. Throughout the tournament, Saka's playing load was tightly controlled by the coaching staff due to a lingering Achilles tendon problem upon joining the team.
Nevertheless, the England player said his fitness is improving significantly.
“My playing time has gradually increased with each game. Of course, I wanted to go to the World Cup in 100% fitness, but that didn’t happen. Right now, I feel great and ready to play,” Saka said.
To date, Saka has recorded 3 assists in the tournament, including the pass that helped Jude Bellingham open the scoring against Mexico.
Beware of Haaland and Odegaard.
In the quarter-final match (taking place at 4 AM on July 12th), England will face Norway, whose two prominent stars are Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Saka, Odegaard's teammate at Arsenal and a frequent opponent of Haaland in the Premier League, highly regards the team's collective strength.
According to Saka, Odegaard is in very good form, and so are his teammates. “We will focus on the whole Norwegian team because they have played very well since the start of the tournament. However, we understand our strengths and are focused on winning.”
Meanwhile, defender Nico O'Reilly also expressed confidence in his task of containing Haaland, the striker who has scored 62 goals in 54 appearances for the Norwegian national team.
“Erling is still Erling. Everyone knows how dangerous he is in the penalty area. But first, Norway have to get the ball to him,” Nico O'Reilly commented.
Bukayo Saka (right), Harry Kane and the England team are ready for their quarter-final match against Norway. Photo: Ian Robles/Eyepix Group/Shutterstock
Weather challenges in Miami
The match between England and Norway at Hard Rock Stadium (Miami) is predicted to take place in harsh weather conditions, with temperatures potentially exceeding 34 degrees Celsius, along with high humidity and the risk of thunderstorms.
However, the England team had over a week of training in Florida before the tournament began to acclimatize to the climate conditions.
"It will be very hot, but we've had training sessions here so we'll adapt well," O'Reilly said.
Saka praised Tuchel's impact.
Saka had high praise for German coach Thomas Tuchel, who is helping England maintain their unbeaten record at the World Cup.
“From the qualifying rounds until now, the results speak for themselves. We remain undefeated at the 2026 World Cup and are improving with each game. I’m really looking forward to seeing how far the team will go,” Saka said.