William Troost-Ekong has given England the nod to advance past Norway in Saturday’s World Cup quarter final in Miami, pointing to the Three Lions’ overall squad depth as the deciding factor.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Troost-Ekong said he expects England to hold a slight edge, acknowledging the scale of Norway’s achievement in reaching this stage while praising Harry Kane, a former Tottenham Hotspur teammate of his, as a striker who doesn’t always get the credit his consistency deserves. He also pointed to Jude Bellingham as someone capable of shifting the balance of the game, predicting the tie is unlikely to end level and that England will ultimately come out on top in what he expects to be a close battle between Kane and Haaland.

England reached the last eight after a dramatic 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16, a result they managed despite playing much of the match with ten men following a red card to Jarell Quansah. It continues what has become a deep run for Thomas Tuchel’s side at this tournament, having also beaten DR Congo on their way to the quarter finals.

Norway, by contrast, arrive in Miami as one of the story lines of the tournament. Their run to the quarter finals marks a first appearance at this stage of a World Cup, ending a 28 year absence from the competition entirely. They booked their place with a stunning 2-1 win over five time champions Brazil, a result built on a double from Erling Haaland.

Saturday’s quarter final is scheduled to kick off in the evening at Hard Rock Stadium.