Solbakken Shakes Up Norway Squad With Surprising Nations League Selections
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has introduced several unexpected changes in his first national team selection since the World Cup. The Nations League squad features notable inclusions such as a Bodø/Glimt trio and in-form forward Erik Botheim, while five World Cup players have been omitted.
Ståle Solbakken has produced several surprises in his first national team squad announcement following the World Cup, cutting five tournament players ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The updated roster features a strong domestic contingent, highlighted by the inclusion of Bodø/Glimt trio Odin Bjørtuft, Fredrik Sjøvold, and Ole Didrik Blomberg. Viking forward Erik Botheim has also earned a call-up to the national setup, coming off a weekend performance where he scored his first two goals for his club against Kristiansund.
The goalkeeping department consists of Ørjan Nyland, Egil Selvik, and Sander Tangvik.
In defense, Solbakken has called up Leo Østigård, Torbjørn Heggem, Kristoffer Ajer, Odin Bjørtuft, Sondre Langås, Fredrik Sjøvold, David Møller Wolfe, Julian Ryerson, and Marcus Holmgren Pedersen.
The midfield group includes Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Martin Ødegaard, Fredrik Aursnes, Antonio Nusa, Andreas Schjelderup, Oscar Bobb, Thelo Aasgaard, Ole Didrik Blomberg, and Kristian Thorstvedt.
Leading the forward line alongside Botheim are Premier League forwards Erling Braut Haaland and Jørgen Strand Larsen.