Clinton Morrison's World Cup Quarter Final Predictions, England vs Norway, The Haaland Threat & Bellingham Masterclass
The World Cup is down to eight teams and the games do not get much bigger than this. England face Norway in the quarter finals with Haaland waiting. France take on Morocco in a repeat of the 2022 semi final. Spain meet Belgium and Argentina face Switzerland.
Clinton Morrison joined us for his quarter final previews, the tournament's breakout young players and some of the summer's biggest transfer stories.
Here's what Clinton had to say, and don't forget to check out the best World Cup Free Bets & Betting Sites, courtesy of Free Bets.
ENGLAND VS MEXICO, BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE TOURNAMENT
Brilliant performance. I thought they played excellent. With all the atmosphere and everything, I just thought England were first class to be fair. The subs that came on had an impact. They defended for their lives when they went down to ten men and yeah, brilliant performance. That was their best performance at the World Cup. If they continue like that they've got a good chance for sure.
On the dressing room celebrations:
If you can't celebrate a World Cup win against Mexico, who haven't lost there for a very long time, then when can you celebrate? Listen, it was probably back to training shortly after, but yeah, have 10 or 15 minutes celebrating. Fair play to them. They deserve it because I thought they were excellent.
ENGLAND VS NORWAY
Norway are a big test. You look at what they did against Brazil. England would have to be clinical. But I think you can get at Norway defensively. In midfield going forward though they're a problem. They've caused problems. The wingers will cause problems. They've got four good wingers. And obviously Ødegaard ran the show against Brazil. I think England will go and press them. I think Brazil sat in too much. England could do it. I do think they're favourites but Norway are a huge threat because they've got one of the best around in Haaland. He was magnificent against Brazil. You contain him, you win the game.
Key battles:
Guéhi and Konsa are going to have to deal with Haaland. In the full back area, I don't think Reece James will be fit so I think Tuchel will play Jed Spence. You'll have to watch out for the Norwegian wingers who are tricky and want to get crosses in the box for Haaland. And in midfield England have Rice and Anderson who will know they can't let Ødegaard get on the ball and start running the show.
On Jed Spence:
He done well against Mexico. Done really well. When he came on at left back I thought he was outstanding. He managed to stop the crosses and that was something England weren't doing. Mexico were a threat through crosses into the box and he managed to deal with that. Right back is a different role for him but he loves to get forward. He'll have to be disciplined against Norway.
Prediction: England 2-1 Norway (after extra time)
FRANCE VS MOROCCO, THE SEMI FINAL REMATCH
You feel like if Morocco were on the other side of the draw they'd have a great chance of getting into the final. I rate Morocco, they're a top team with some top players. They've grown into this tournament and they've been outstanding. They can cause France problems. They defend well and they've got players that can cause problems on the front foot. But the way France are playing at the moment I can only see a France win. Morocco would test them defensively which I want to see. But if I had to put my neck on the line I'd go France to win 2-1.
Prediction: France 2-1 Morocco
SPAIN VS BELGIUM
Belgium have been underwhelming. Apart from the USA game where they turned up and the manager did well, leaving De Bruyne, Lukaku and Doku on the bench and still getting a lead before bringing those players on. He'll probably go with the same approach to keep it tight against Spain and then the three big hitters come on. But I still think Spain will be too strong for them. Yamal will cause them all kinds of problems. I'm going Spain 3-1. I said it before, I'm not changing my mind.
Prediction: Spain 3-1 Belgium
ARGENTINA VS SWITZERLAND
Switzerland make it difficult. They've got experienced players like Xhaka and Akanji. It wouldn't surprise me if it goes to extra time. But I feel Argentina beat Switzerland 2-1 after extra time. I think Argentina show their quality with the likes of Álvarez, Messi and Enzo Fernandes. And I thought the substitutions from Scaloni the other night against Egypt were really good. Argentina 2-1.
Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Switzerland (after extra time)
BREAKOUT YOUNG PLAYERS OF THE TOURNAMENT
Boudaoui (Morocco): What a player he is. That Moroccan boy in midfield, he's one of the standout young players for me. He's 18 years of age and the way he's played in this tournament has been outstanding.
Musa (Norway): England have to be prepared because he does want to take on his full back. He's really impressed me. He's unpredictable, you don't know which way he's going to go.
Cubarsí (Spain): I didn't know he was 19 until the other day. Cubarsí alongside Laporte have been outstanding. Comfortable in possession, he's at Barcelona for a reason.
TRANSFER LATEST
On Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal:
What a signing it would be for Arsenal. He'll improve them. He's a good player. He always wants the ball, he doesn't hide. It'd be a brilliant signing and take Arsenal to a whole different level. You could see him and Rice dominating in that central midfield.
On Newcastle's summer:
They've got to start spending now. They've got £100 million for Tonali, £70 or £80 million potentially for Bruno, money from Anthony Gordon. They've got to bring in more. Newcastle fans are not happy and if they don't spend they'll go back to preseason in the same position.
On André Santos to Man United:
Santos is a good player. He's 21 or 22, comfortable on the ball, he's a Brazilian international. For £50 million I think it's not bad. They still want another midfielder as well and they look like they're buying the boy from Atalanta. Probably still going to get another midfielder and some attacking players. It's good business for Man United. It's probably not their number one midfield target but he's probably in their top three. Good signing.
Clinton Morrison's Quarter Final Predictions
| Match | Clinton's Prediction |
|---|---|
| France vs Morocco | France 2-1 |
| Spain vs Belgium | Spain 3-1 |
| England vs Norway | England 2-1 (aet) |
| Argentina vs Switzerland | Argentina 2-1 (aet) |
Predicted semi finals: England vs Argentina, France vs Spain
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