England found an extra gear with their gutsy 3-2 triumph over Mexico and they will need to produce another strong performance against Norway, who are through to the final eight for the first time in their history.
Thomas Tuchel's side coped with the high altitude at the Azteca Stadium and they must deal with high temperatures and a confident, free-scoring opponent in their quarter-final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Saturday, which will be assessed by Racing Post football expert Dan Childs.
Steady growth through the tournament has been a hallmark of many World Cup winning teams and there is evidence that England are trending in the right direction.
They relied on strong second-half performances in victories over Croatia (4-2), Panama (2-0) and DR Congo (2-1), but gave a more complete display in Mexico City where they came up with decisive moments of quality before showing a steely determination to cling onto their lead.
However, a different set of challenges await them against Norway, who have come through a tougher section of the draw.
Stale Solbakken's side cruised through the group phase before battling to a pair of hugely impressive 2-1 wins over Ivory Coast and Brazil.
Seven-goal striker Erling Haaland has led the charge for the Scandinavians, who seem determined to make the most of their first World Cup experience since 1998.
Norway v England Tips Summary
Best Bet - England to win and both teams to score @ 13/5
Alternative bet - Jude Bellingham to score or assist @ 7/5
Bet Builder - Harry Kane to score anytime, Julian Ryerson to be carded & Over 2 goals @ 12/1
Norway v England Prediction
Best Bet: England to win and both teams to score @ 13/5
England have scored multiple goals in four of their five World Cup matches and their offensive quality could be key to seeing off Norway in an entertaining game.
There have been moments at the World Cup when England have seemed to lack creativity and spark against deep-lying defences.
But they have fared better against front-footed opponents such as Croatia and Mexico, who have afforded them space to exploit on the counter-attack.
Tuchel seems to have established his first-choice attack, which includes wingers Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka, who are improving with each game.
And England's potent attack may be too much for Norway, who haven't kept a clean sheet in the tournament.
Norway were the top scorers in European World Cup qualifying (37 goals) and can usually rely on Haaland, who is thriving at his first major tournament.
Haaland's scoring streak could continue, but that may not be enough to eliminate England, who are set to reach the semi-finals for the fourth time.
Alternative Bet: Jude Bellingham to score or assist @ 7/5
Jude Bellingham arrived at the World Cup unsure of his place in the starting line-up, but he has performed to a consistently high standard and may have more in the locker.
The 23-year-old is rivaling Harry Kane as England's most important attacking player and looks a solid wager to produce another major moment against Norway.
Norway v England Bet Builder Tip
Harry Kane to score any time
Julian Ryerson to be carded
Over 2 goals
Pays 12/1
Kane's clever assist for Bellingham against Mexico was an example of his team-first mentality, but he remains hungry to hit the target and looks set to add to his six-goal tournament tally.
England's counter-attacking prowess will be a challenge to Norway's full-backs, including right-sided Julian Ryerson, who is better offensively than he is with defensive duties.
The Borussia Dortmund player collected eight Bundesliga yellow cards last season and his first World Cup caution could be on its way.
A physical contest is on the cards, but there will be lots of quality on show and a high-scoring outcome looks likely.
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Key Match Stats
England have won 15 of their last 16 competitive games
The Three Lions have started the scoring in 14 of their last 16 competitive matches
Four of England's last six games have generated at least three goals
Both teams have scored in each of Norway's last seven competitive matches
Seven of Norway's last nine competitive fixtures generated at least five goals
Norway haven’t won any of their last four matches against England
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
