Three Lions set for first major meeting with Norway

The Three Lions have gone toe-to-toe with Norway in the past, but their upcoming clash will be their first meeting at a major tournament.

It was confirmed that Thomas Tuchel’s side will come up against the Norwegians in the World Cup quarter-final after overcoming the Azteca altitude to beat co-hosts Mexico.

Heading into their Round of 16 clash against Mexico, the England squad knew that Norway would be waiting for them in the next round, after Erling Haaland’s double had downed Brazil earlier in the day.

During their time in North America this summer, Norway will be the third team the Three Lions have faced at a major tournament for the first time, after ties against African outfits Ghana and DR Congo.

Historic meetings with Norway

England have played Norway 12 times since their first meeting, all the way back in 1937.

The first four games between the two nations were friendlies in 1937, 1938, 1949 and 1966, and England won them all by an aggregate score of 20-2.

The Three Lions' next game against Norway came in the World Cup qualifiers under Ron Greenwood for the 1982 tournament in Spain. England won 4-0, with Terry McDermott (two), Tony Woodcock and Paul Mariner on the scoresheet.

After five wins, England failed to record another victory in their next five matches against Norway, losing two World Cup qualifiers in 1981 and 1993, drawing another in 1992 and two goalless draws in friendlies in 1994 and 1995.

Recent matches

The next game between England and Norway did not come for another 17 years; a 1-0 away win in a UEFA Euro 2012 warm-up match, which featured currently player Jordan Henderson.

It was Roy Hodgson’s first game in charge of the Three Lions and Ashley Young's early goal provided the decisive moment.

Two years later, we met them again. Wayne Rooney scored a penalty in another 1-0 win at Wembley in what was the last time we faced the Scandinavian nation.

Our meeting at this summer's tournament will be a reunion 12 years in the making, which marks the third successive quarter-final for England at the World Cup.

In only their fourth World Cup campaign, Norway have reached the quarter-finals for the first time.