Danny Murphy names his England XI to face Norway and predicts a comfortable win

Danny Murphy has named the England team he would pick to face Norway, backing Thomas Tuchel’s side to win 3-1.

Speaking exclusively to The Football Historian on behalf of BetWright football betting, the former Liverpool and England midfielder believes England should have enough quality to beat Norway, but he would make one particularly interesting call in defence: John Stones at right-back.

Another change at this tournament's cursed position because Murphy believes Stones’ intelligence, experience and comfort on the ball could be important against Norway’s left-sided threat.

“I’d go Pickford in goal and stick with O’Reilly at left-back,” Murphy said.

“I would go Konsa and Guehi. I’d play Stones at right-back. If Quansah is available, I’d still play Stones at right-back. I think he’s got the experience and the knowledge, brilliant on the ball.

“Nusa is a really clever player on the left for Norway and I think Stones would be comfortable with that. He’s so bright. The experience, for me, would give him the nod there.”

Murphy would stick with the midfield trio of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, arguing that the balance has worked and that there is no obvious upgrade waiting to come in.

“I’d stick with the midfield of Bellingham, Rice and Elliot Anderson,” he said. “Anybody else coming in, are they better? Are they ready? That three’s worked.”

Up front, Harry Kane is the obvious name through the middle, because although some England debates are eternal - some are mercifully simple.

“Kane’s a given,” Murphy said.

On the left, he would go with Marcus Rashford over Anthony Gordon. “I’d go with Rashford personally, I think Rashford is just so dynamic and has got a bit more about him than Gordon. I think he’s more of a goal threat. I know Gordon’s done all right, but I’d go Rashford.”

On the right, Murphy’s choice depends on Bukayo Saka’s fitness. “If he’s right and he’s ready, I’d play him because we know he’s capable of special moments,” he said.

“But I wouldn’t be uncomfortable with Madueke. I know he’s had his critics, but I actually like his bravery and trying to do things and take people on. Even when he fails, he keeps trying to do it and I know Tuchel likes that as well.”

Murphy doesn't believe the wide areas will decide the game, however. His view is that England should have more of the ball and more than enough quality to progress.

“I don’t really think the wide areas will cost us the game anyway,” he said. “I think we’ll have more of the ball and overall, if you look at both teams, there wouldn’t be many Norway players you’d get in ours. So we should win the game.”

His prediction? “I think we’ll beat them 3-1,” Murphy said. “I think it’ll be comfortable.”

There you have it. Stones at right-back, Rashford on the left, Saka if fit, and England to win 3-1. Comfortable, apparently.

Which is always a bold word to hear before an England knockout game, and historically a very dangerous emotion to experience for more than about 12 seconds.

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