Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard will put their club partnership aside when England face Norway in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final in what promises to be one of the key individual battles of the last-eight clash.
Both midfielders played pivotal roles in Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph, helping the London club win the English league for the first time in 22 years.
They also reached the UEFA Champions League final before losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. Now, the two 27-year-olds will be on opposite sides as they pursue World Cup glory with their respective countries.
Norway captain Odegaard has been one of the standout performers for his side, contributing three assists at the tournament a tally only surpassed by Michael Olise, Brahim Diaz and Bruno Guimaraes.
According to a FIFA report on Thursday, Odegaard has also demonstrated his work rate, recording more sprints than any player in the Norway squad with 229. At the same time, only Sander Berge has covered more distance.
Speaking in 2025, Rice praised his Arsenal captain’s leadership qualities. “He’s one of the best lads I’ve seen in terms of how he lives his life off the pitch,” Rice said.
“He’s got the full respect of the Arsenal, dressing room, the way he demands, the way he drives the team, the way he speaks. He’s been amazing for us, and I wouldn’t one anyone else being our captain.”
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Rice, however, will be tasked with limiting Odegaard’s influence when the two sides meet. Operating in a deeper midfield role for England, Rice has also impressed during the tournament, completing 91 per cent of his 171 passes while providing defensive stability and contributing from set-pieces.
Odegaard was equally complimentary of his Arsenal teammate ahead of the encounter. “He’s someone who always gives absolutely everything for the team. He is always fighting for every single ball, bringing his energy to the pitch, driving the team forward,” Odegaard said.
“He can defend, he can attack, he can be physical, he can be good on the ball. He’s a very complete player, so it’s going to be a good test for all of us.”
England coach Thomas Tuchel also reserved high praise for Rice. “He is one of the very best midfielders in the world,” Tuchel said.
“He is also very humble, a football lover. He is a team player and is ready every day to give energy and quality to the group. I am proud to be his coach.”
Both players will now seek to help their countries make more history. England are chasing a first World Cup title since 1966, while Norway are enjoying their best-ever World Cup campaign after reaching the quarterfinals for the first time.
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